diff --git a/src/java/com/threerings/media/sound/SoundManager.java b/src/java/com/threerings/media/sound/SoundManager.java
index fb615ad22..d5ed962a4 100644
--- a/src/java/com/threerings/media/sound/SoundManager.java
+++ b/src/java/com/threerings/media/sound/SoundManager.java
@@ -821,7 +821,7 @@ public class SoundManager
 
     /** The maximum time after which we throw away a sound rather
      * than play it. */
-    protected static final long MAX_SOUND_DELAY = 1000L;
+    protected static final long MAX_SOUND_DELAY = 400L;
 
     /** The size of the line's buffer. */
     protected static final int LINEBUF_SIZE = 8 * 1024;