Sorry to resurrect this thread, it looks as though it has been once already. I just wanted to ask Keef if you've tried using the Debian package management system called
apt? Or were the packages you've installed not in their database? Also I'm surprised that you're having to use jack to get alsa working with an emu10k1 - are you running alsa as a module or compiled into the kernel?
Mac, I must admit I've really been spoiled by using Gentoo. It doesn't get much easier than typing emerge <packagename>. The tricky part is getting it all set up, but if you follow the instructions there usually isn't a problem. It's a process I would recommend to anyone who's interested in the nuts and bolts of their computer OS.