simple solution, Winamp, have loads of preset sound settings which are perfect.
Windows media is crap compared to winamp if u ask me.
I spend hours listening to music again and again and listening to only one instrument at a time, to compare and just simply try to get a grip of the songs and yes, winamp does nothing wrong, unless you make it go wrong, when using Winamp its all under your control.
So, Winamp for the win people :)