Bug 81676

Version:           2.4.1 (using KDE 3.2.2,  (testing/unstable))
Compiler:          gcc version 3.3.3 (Debian 20040401)
OS:                Linux (i686) release 2.4.18-bf2.4

After upgrading to this version (2.4.1, KDE3.2.2) from the previous one, playing high (or even moderate) bitrate mp3s causes sound output corrupted by pops and squawks.  It is bad enough to cause me to no longer use the noatun application.  XMMS, for example, plays the mp3s correctly with no corruption.

I have only a 266 MHz PII at 532 bogomips, so it is possible that the system speed is too slow.  However, artsd never shows a CPU usage above 15% in top, and total CPU is below 20% user / 10% system and the corruption occurs.

I debated submitting this as a bug, since this is how I experience it, but considered the possibility that it may only exhibit itself on slow systems.  I cannot test on a faster system.  However, since noatun played the files correctly before the most recent upgrade, and since XMMS plays the files fine, if system speed is indeed the issue, then my specific wishlist request is that the noatun code be tightened back up so that files can again be played on less powerful computers.

If my system speed supposition is incorrect then this is a bug report.

I understand that this is not a very helpful bug submission, unless recent changes can be expected to have greatly increased system capability requirements.  I am willing to provide more information, and hopefully someone can ask me useful questions.

Also, please forward this to the arts buglist (or request that I do this in some way) if this is where the report should go.  Note, though, that kaboodle does not generate the same sound corruptions when playing an MPEG2 of a music video.