When I was a Windows user, I adored Winamp for its plugins and its ability to play weird music formats.
However, I have since switched to Mac and adore iTunes.
I have always disliked Windows Media Player, though. Like some other Windows programs I could mention, it never seemed to “just work” the way Apple programs do. It was buggy and problematic, and couldn’t play certain formats. It also seems to bog down the system when burning or ripping a CD.
I would reserve VLC for video media rather than audio media, as that’s what it’s best at.