[xubuntu-users] Distorted sound unless PAVUCONTROL is open?

[PGillespie]

(I thought I already sent this to the list, but I never received an 
email. My apologies if I'm repeating.)

Anyway, here's the issue: My sound comes through a jack in the back of a 
Samsung HDMI monitor. If pavucontrol (Pulse Audio Volume Control) is 
running (if the window/dialog box is open) then the sound is flawless. 
As soon as I close it, the sound is badly distorted. Open it? Perfect. 
Close it? Distorted.

Whatever settings pavucontrol is using, are perfect; but are 
"dis-invoked" as soon as I close the app.

I've posted this question elsewhere, and if I get an answer, I'll post 
it here.

Using Xubuntu 14.04.