Audio issues (possibly not flat EQ?)

I’m having the same problem.  Is there a file format issue?  For .MP3 files I have imported, the sound quality is as expected.  However, when I copy .m4a files into the device, they sound like they are played back in mono, and some instruments are strangely “missing” – just as described above. 

The files were ripped from CDs via iTunes or were purchases from the iTunes store.  They are at a compatible configuration (I think) – 128k bit rate and 44k sampling rate. 

any ideas?