Default configuration reuses any free thread and lets them die after 60 seconds … i would think, that if the hot spot is on the thread creation, and sounds are played frequently, maybe (gosh this is horrible) pre-starting the threads, may increase throughput.
Actually, i have no idea. Maybe context switch is killing your performance.
I use no thread in my version.
I’ve started a new thread: http://www.java-gaming.org/index.php/topic,24367.0.html
on a similar theme. I’ve been working on Improving “ExamplePlayer” which also plays back OggVorbis files. I’m also hoping to get some insights or replies from the folks that were involved with this project. Posting here seemed like a reasonable way to notify them.