Hi Edmund, Here is my stepguide towards solving Sound playback problems on my Ubuntu Studio setup. Step 1: System --> Preferences --> Sound Step 2: Tested all the Device options for various categories. ** The right selection produced a tone during test whereas the wrong ones produced some crackling sounds** eg. HDA Intel ALC268 Analog (OSS) was able to produce the tone during the tests. Step 3: Close This immediately took care of my needs to listen to music stored as ogg. files on my system. I am currently using Amarok for Music playback. Step 4: System Tools --> System Settings --> Sound Step 5: Selected the earlier device to be on the top of the list for all types of Audio Output --> Apply For DVD and other Video Playback I downloaded VLC Player. I haven't figured a way to get music and videos to play online like on Lastfm.com or Youtube.com Hopefully I will have this sorted out soon. Thank you. - Ash -- Generate space in life by generating space in our own mind!!