Required bitrate depends on the music. With a modern version of LAME, 128kbps will be very difficult to ABX for solo vocals, but much easier in busy rock music (specifically, by listening to the decay of the cymbals).

This is why variable bit rate was developed.

> This is why variable bit rate was developed.

A more modern codecs like AAC or Opus, that can e.g. better deal with the cymbals problem you mention.

oh no here come the audiophiles runs away