Yes, it could be a problem with VBR (variable bit rate). Basically with a constant bitrate (CBR), the decoder can basically jump to the right position in the file by multiplying the bitrate with the position. With variable bitrate, this is not really possible, because the time does not map 1:1 to the data position in the file (because the bitrate is.. variable). Can you go back to the exact position once playback has started? Also, can you try to rip the CDs again with CBR (constant bitrate) mode and try to reproduce the problem, so we can be sure that the problem here is with variable bitrate files? You should be able to configure which mode (VBR or CBR) you want to use in the "encoder options" or "MP3 options" or "codec settings" of the application that you use for ripping the CDs. Also be sure to not re-encode the files in VBR mode when stitching the files together. Edit: You can use a program like MP3 Diags to open your existing MP3 files and check if they are CBR or VBR.