Pulseaudio + working audio = a paradox Perhaps your problems aren't related to pulseaudio, but at least for troubleshooting purge remove this idiotic, completely bad programmed sound server! My Linux PC is a DAW for audio productions, all mails that are pro pulseaudio are automagically moved to the junk folder. OP, if you like/need pulseaudio, than anyway, for troubleshooting start with removing pulseaudio.