Russ suggested:
> > > Try copying the mp3 over to local disk first.

To which I replied:
> Sorry. no local disk (currently).
> it's a diskless cpu/auth server that doubles as terminal,
> boots kernel from flop, takes root from fs.
> (150 Mhz pentium with 64 Mb ram)
> My only other plan 9 machine here is a laptop
> with unsupported audio hardware.
[...]
> I now intend to just install the update, and see what happens

Installing the update did not make a difference.
However, copying the mp3 to the (real fake worm) fs
_does_ make a difference, and solves the problem.
I do use my u9fs '-l user' aname hack:

% srv tcp!unix!9fs
% mount /srv/tcp!unix!9fs /n/unix '-l user'

With the 3e installation it did work fine.
The 'probelmatic' 4e u9fs is of the 2002-04-27 release.

In the hope it sheds some light I ran
	iostats cat a.mp3
with a.mp3 taken from fs and u9fs (attached).
The unix machine was basically idle, and has 100Mb/s
network, the fs only 10 Mb/s.

Any ideas how to improve this?
(If there is a FM I should R, a pointer would be appreciated!)

Axel.