My corner of the intarw3b!
I have some annoyances with my (current) favorite linux flavor -Ubuntu Hardy Heron (8.04).
Unfortunately, the default audio config for ubuntu.. pulse audio.. in a word.. sucks. Hard.
Rip
it off and replace it with alsa.. your microphone may not work, but at
least the audio output from amarok and the like won't give you a
headache with the stuttering and horrible sound quality.
Comprehensive Sound Problem Solutions Guide - Ubuntu Forums