Odd sound quality

Over the last few weeks, I've been noticing the sound quality in itunes has gotten strange. On certain songs it's almost like the sound mix of the song has changed. Like there are certain channels or instruments dropping out. It sounds like if you just took an entire guitar track out of a song. Very strange. I've looked through the forums dealing with sound quality and haven't really noticed anyone having a similar problem, however, I have tried some of the solutions offered to other sound problems.
I have turned off the sound enhancer as well as the sound check. I have turned the computer volume up and turned the itunes volume down. I have also deleted the plist eq file.
When I play these certain songs through quicktime, they sound fine, which makes me sure it is something having to do with itunes.
Any thoughts? Thanks in advance!

ok, here's the latest. the "bad sound" sems to be getting worse as it is affecting more and more songs. the interesting thing i've found is that if i plug some headphones into the computer, the songs sound fine. could it be my speakers? (original usb soundsticks and isub). but then why would the songs sound fine through quicktime?
to recap:
bad sound quality on certain songs (almost like channels are dropping out) in itunes.
the same songs sound fine when played through quicktime.
the same songs sound fine when played through itunes and headphones.
anybody? any thoughts or possible solutions? it bothers me so much that i am considering doing a clean re-install and starting over.

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