Another element in play is the EU regulation on loudness. Yes, big brother is at it again. It seems that somewhere in the Mp3 'tag' there is code that enforces and controls loudness. This tag is not in the original CD mix, but in download music ripped to mp3 format, it is inserted. Anybody fully understand what is going on with this EU regulation?
The Loudness Wars of Modern Digital Recording
Interesting quick read from National Public Radio about the "loudness wars" in digital sound reproduction:
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=122114058
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=122114058