[linux-audio-user] How achieve smooth playing of multiple instances of linux audio players

Hi, I have HTPC entertainment with home automation control integrated (Based on Misterhouse). I also have couple of sound cards for 2 independent stereo outputs that go to separate rooms. Now I start 2 instances of alsaplayer - playing music to those rooms. Now I have also some other processes on PC (Apache, PVR 350 video recording, media serving to LAN) - so I get occasional hickups on music output. But I'd like to play music smoothly probably at the price of resposivness of other applications. With what settings/configuration/additions could I achieve that. I assume that assigning higher priorities may be not enough ? How do you tweak your machines to get smooth audio play ? Regards, Robert.