breaktaztic

I am trying to convert a batch of .wavs originally recorded at 44khtz 16 bit mono PCM format to 11.25khtz 16 bit mono PCM format, and the resulting sound quality is rather "hollow" and noisy. The sound quality is noticeably worse than if recorded at 11.25khtz originally. Im not a sound engineer, but my preconception is that converting down in sample rate shouldnt affect quality that much (at least not by more then the limitation of the lower ample rate). Anybody have any suggestions on how I can reduce that effect (with switch, wavepad, or something else)? Any ideas or education would be appreciated - Thanks!