MP3 vs WAV

[camo]

This is probably a "captain obvious" post, but has anyone noticed a difference in the quality of a wav file after its been converted to a mp3? I understand that the wav file is uncompressed and the loss of quality occurs when its made into a mp3, but is there a way to retain wav quality in a mp3? I am sure there are better ways to convert files that the simple programs one finds on the web. Also, should compression be left off a wav file if its to be converted to mp3? Sometimes I notice a barely audible ringing sound in the background after converting a file to mp3, that was not in the original file. Maybe its just the nature of the beast.

[Ant]

  There are ways to get a better sound.But it will cost you more than you may wanta spend.The best thing that you may wanta do is when you change a file from WAV to MP3 is to record it in 320kbps and using effects can give you a better sound to.

[camo]

One tool that I have since discovered is a free mastering plug-in called "dithering". It works by generating "good noise" which helps the MP3 file maintain quality after its converted  (usually from a Wav file). There is a good source for effects plugs in under the links section here.