MaxxPlayer

Windows Media Player users may like this program's sound-enhancement effects, but we'd guess many of them will find the demo restriction pretty annoying. MaxxPlayer integrates tightly into Windows Media Player and can be accessed via the Tools menu item. The program's control panel appears under the visualization window, offering a few sliders and boxes that let you adjust the audio effects. However, the list of available audio enhancements is not huge; you'll find treble- and bass-boost options, a filter called MaxxStereo, and another called iVolume. The latter two options had the greatest effect on sound quality. MaxxStereo creates a wider stereo spectrum, while iVolume cranks up your music much louder. If you want to see how much difference the plug-in makes, you simply can click the Bypass button to turn it off. We initially were disappointed to find the trial period is a short seven days, but the aggressive nag screen, which pops up every time you click a new track or playlist, really stuck in our craw. In spite of that, dedicated Windows Media Player fans with discriminating ears should at least give this program a try.