esd is the culprit. This app takes over your /dev/audio -- try using realplayer in X with E running -- it dies too. The correct thing to do is simply run 'esdctl off' to disable sound and then 'esdctl on' to enable esd agin.
esd is a daemon process (not a well written one but it is getting there). I use an lpd and I also have a parallel port hard drive. I do not have to kill lpd to use the drive. esd should simply be turned on or off as needed. It is wrong to have to kill a daemon.
