[datdork]

why are you using cool edit at all? just burn with nero or something else.

now onto the issue. sounds to me like you have normalized or reapplied gain. you don't want to do either. what are you using to convert? are you using foobar? what ever program make sure there isn't a setting checked etc for reapply gain. if there isn't make sure you aren't normalizing in nero. hope that helps.