In some cases LAME 3.99.4 produces significantly smaller VBR bitrates than 3.99.3.
For example, a 30 s classical piano sample: [attachment=6862:Liszt.flac]
LAME 3.99.4 -V1 => 221 kbps
LAME 3.99.4 -V5 => 106 kbps
LAME 3.99.4 -V8 => 91 kbps
LAME 3.99.3 -V1 => 246 kbps
LAME 3.99.3 -V5 => 119 kbps
LAME 3.99.3 -V8 => 102 kbps
Discussion: http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index....st&p=783944 (http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?s=&showtopic=91372&view=findpost&p=783944)
Two more examples, these specifically for the comparison of the 20120130 Rarewares compile of 3.99.4 vs. lvqcl's from AlexB's linked thread:
[attachment=6883:Shaolin_...duo__30s.flac]
[attachment=6882:Rolodex_...anda_30s.flac]