<< It can integrate directly with LAME and do on-the-fly encoding once you've ripped the track. >>
Hmmm... one feature of AudioCatalyst I like is that I can do the encoding directly from the original CD, without ripping it first. Saves time and effort. Works great at 12X with my Celly 880 and Panasonic drive (max speed). However, if I use my Pioneer drive which maxes out around 17X, my Celly is too slow, and can't keep up with the drive --> errors. I can of course use an intermediate .wav file though.
I'll check out EAC tho.