Been using free version of QuickTime and Real Player (Windows 7) for songs I've downloaded off of youtube, and a couple of weeks ago I decided to give VLC (also free) a try. The sound quality with VLC is amazing compared to the other two. These are .3gp and .mp3 files being pumped through $25 Logitech X140 speakers on my Dell PC. VLC also plays DVDs and video files and while the interface is a tad clumsy I'm really impressed.
One word of caution. Apparently part of VLC's "magic" is doing things with the audio that, according to posts on Dell's website, can blow out your speakers if the volume is set too high so if you do try VLC be warned.
One word of caution. Apparently part of VLC's "magic" is doing things with the audio that, according to posts on Dell's website, can blow out your speakers if the volume is set too high so if you do try VLC be warned.