Why do my high bitrate MP3's have better stereo separation than the CD itself?

[MichaelD]

This is coming from someone who has good ears. I've been into audio (albiet, on a budget) for many years and I play guitar and have seen some studio time as well.

Right now I'm listening to a 256kb/s CBR MP3 of the CD "Alice in Chains". A CD I'm very familiar with. The stereo separation is better, and the left/right panning of the individual tracks sound BETTER than if I put the actual CD in the drive and played it. Why?

I have thought about posting this several times since getting into MP3's about 6 months ago. Yes, I know MP3s have been around since some of you were in diapers, OK?

Why is this?

 

[glen]

On your PC, you always get better "stereo."
Why?
Because you are almost always centered between the speakers.
YOu know those 3d images you have to squit a little to see, and they pop into 3d? Stereo sound is the same thing. If you are too far left or right, it won't work. Even if you tilt your head it won't work.

 

[Antoneo]

This is interesting. Are you playing both files from the same system? ie. are you playing the original Alice in Chains CD and then a mp3 of the album burned onto CD?

 

[NewSc2]

i've never really had that happen to me. Your CD player might be faulty?

My CD's always sound clearer than my mp3's.