[geraldmcboing]

The author could do a bit more work to make their opinions more valid. First, what speakers were they listening on and in what environment? If attempting to do critical listening, you do not use low quality speakers in a reverberant listening space with room mode colouration & cancellation.

Second, why not do a null test? Invert phase of MP3 and mix it with uncompressed WAV file. The remaining audio IS the difference, and it is audible.. But it is only significant if you have a good sound system & have ears capable of critical listening.

Third, what volume SPL were they listening at? A compressed JPG looks ok on a small screen but project it large and the image becomes blocky. Same applies to audio.

Fourth, tester fails to mention age and results of a recent hearing test. Maybe they have no perception over 12kHz? We do not know.

Failed test, confirms user bias, as expected.