Aubrey, I ran Winamp for a LONG time prior to buying my XM radio. I did have alot more vox loss when using winamp, than I do now running the XM radio (station #4, the 40s for in period music).
I'm recommend you use the 'line in' port on the sound card and hook up a walkman or something instead. Again, its not that it really affects performance, having something running along side in Windows just screws with vox.
You definitely do not want to use Windows Media player, that thing is a pig on resources, winamp is a much better choice if you're still willing to risk vox loss.
CPorky
formerly known as Delirium