Sound stuttering on Virtual PC (xp)

I need to use a windows music production app on virtual pc but after installing windows xp, the sound stutters almost like its a system resources problem. I've followed all the tips to minimize cpu load etc, like disabling animation features in windows but its still stuttering. I would have thought my spec would be ok for this but it even happens on the welcome noise. Is this a resources problem or can i change a setting somewhere? Also does anyone know of another virtual host that would work better for sound? I'm not on an intel mac so don't think i can use parallels. thanks guys, Dren.