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?