diff --git a/.eslintrc.cjs b/.eslintrc.cjs
deleted file mode 100644
index 3b5eb83..0000000
--- a/.eslintrc.cjs
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,27 +0,0 @@
-module.exports = {
-    root: true,
-    env: {
-        node: true,
-        es2023: true,
-        browser: true,
-    },
-    parserOptions: {
-        ecmaVersion: 2023,
-        sourceType: 'module',
-    },
-    ignores: ['data/**', 'public/**/vendor/**', 'scripts/**/tmp/**', 'tmp/**'],
-    plugins: ['import'],
-    extends: [
-        'eslint:recommended',
-        'plugin:import/recommended',
-        'plugin:import/errors',
-        'plugin:import/warnings',
-        'plugin:import/typescript',
-        'prettier',
-    ],
-    rules: {
-        'no-unused-vars': ['warn', { argsIgnorePattern: '^_', varsIgnorePattern: '^_' }],
-        'no-console': 'off',
-        'import/no-unresolved': 'off',
-    },
-};
diff --git a/.prettierignore b/.prettierignore
deleted file mode 100644
index 451e943..0000000
--- a/.prettierignore
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,8 +0,0 @@
-data/
-public/audio/
-public/cover/
-**/*.mp3
-node_modules/
-.tmp/
-dist/
-coverage/
diff --git a/.prettierrc.json b/.prettierrc.json
deleted file mode 100644
index c7a55c7..0000000
--- a/.prettierrc.json
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,7 +0,0 @@
-{
-  "singleQuote": true,
-  "semi": true,
-  "trailingComma": "es5",
-  "printWidth": 100,
-  "tabWidth": 2
-}
diff --git a/HOWLER_INTEGRATION.md b/HOWLER_INTEGRATION.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f6153ac
--- /dev/null
+++ b/HOWLER_INTEGRATION.md
@@ -0,0 +1,83 @@
+# Howler.js Integration
+
+## Overview
+Successfully integrated [Howler.js](https://www.npmjs.com/package/howler) v2.2.4 for audio playback, replacing the native HTML5 `<audio>` element.
+
+## Changes Made
+
+### 1. **index.html**
+- Added Howler.js CDN script: `https://cdnjs.cloudflare.com/ajax/libs/howler/2.2.4/howler.min.js`
+- Removed the `<audio id="audio">` element (no longer needed)
+
+### 2. **audio.js** (Complete Rewrite)
+Replaced HTML5 Audio API with Howler.js:
+
+#### Key Features:
+- **Sound Management**: Uses `Howl` instances for audio playback
+- **Progress Tracking**: Custom interval-based progress tracking (100ms updates)
+- **Volume Persistence**: Saves volume to localStorage
+- **Sync Support**: Maintains time synchronization with server using playback rate adjustment
+- **Mobile Support**: Includes audio unlock handlers for iOS/Android browsers
+- **Event Handling**: Proper event handlers for load, play, pause, end, and errors
+
+#### Exported Functions:
+- `getSound()` - Returns current Howl instance
+- `loadTrack(url)` - Creates and loads a new track
+- `initAudioUI()` - Initializes Howler settings and volume controls
+- `applySync(startAt, serverNow)` - Syncs playback with server timing
+- `stopAudioPlayback()` - Stops and cleans up audio
+
+### 3. **handlers.js**
+Updated to use new Howler API:
+- Removed `$audio` import
+- Added `loadTrack` and `getSound` imports
+- `handlePlayTrack()`: Uses `loadTrack()` instead of setting `audio.src`
+- `handleControl()`: Uses `sound.pause()`, `sound.play()`, `sound.seek()`, `sound.rate()`
+
+### 4. **dom.js**
+- Removed `export const $audio = el('audio')` (no longer exists in DOM)
+
+### 5. **ui.js**
+- Removed `$audio` import
+- Removed volume slider initialization (now handled in `audio.js`)
+
+## Benefits of Howler.js
+
+1. **Better Browser Compatibility**: Handles audio quirks across different browsers/devices
+2. **Improved Mobile Support**: Better handling of autoplay restrictions on iOS/Android
+3. **Built-in Error Handling**: Automatic retry and fallback mechanisms
+4. **Sprite Support**: Ready for future audio sprite features if needed
+5. **Format Flexibility**: Automatic format selection and fallback
+6. **Memory Management**: Better resource cleanup and management
+7. **Unified API**: Consistent API across all browsers
+
+## Testing Recommendations
+
+1. **Desktop Browsers**: Test on Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge
+2. **Mobile Devices**: Test on iOS Safari and Android Chrome (autoplay restrictions)
+3. **Playback Controls**: Verify play, pause, seek, volume work correctly
+4. **Synchronization**: Test multi-client sync with server timing
+5. **Network Conditions**: Test buffering behavior with slow connections
+6. **Tab Switching**: Verify audio behavior when switching tabs
+
+## Configuration Options
+
+The Howler instance is configured with:
+- `html5: true` - Uses HTML5 Audio for streaming (better for large files)
+- `preload: true` - Preloads audio for smooth playback
+- `format: [...]` - Explicitly specifies audio format (detected from filename)
+- Volume persistence via localStorage
+- Automatic format detection based on file extension
+
+### Format Detection
+Since the audio URLs use tokens (e.g., `/audio/t/abc123`) without file extensions, the format is extracted from the track's `file` property and explicitly passed to Howler.js using the `format` configuration option. This ensures proper codec selection for `.opus`, `.mp3`, `.ogg`, `.wav`, `.m4a`, and other formats.
+
+## Future Enhancements
+
+Potential improvements using Howler.js features:
+- Audio sprites for sound effects
+- 3D spatial audio positioning
+- Multiple simultaneous tracks
+- Crossfading between tracks
+- Advanced audio effects
+- Better offline/cache support
diff --git a/eslint.config.mjs b/eslint.config.mjs
deleted file mode 100644
index 0b29d1c..0000000
--- a/eslint.config.mjs
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,32 +0,0 @@
-import js from '@eslint/js';
-import globals from 'globals';
-
-export default [
-  {
-    files: ['**/*.js'],
-    ignores: [
-      'node_modules/**',
-      'data/**',
-      'public/audio/**',
-      'public/cover/**',
-      '**/*.mp3',
-      '.tmp/**',
-      'dist/**',
-      'coverage/**',
-    ],
-    languageOptions: {
-      ecmaVersion: 2023,
-      sourceType: 'module',
-      globals: {
-        ...globals.node,
-        ...globals.browser,
-      },
-    },
-    rules: {
-      ...js.configs.recommended.rules,
-      'no-unused-vars': ['warn', { argsIgnorePattern: '^_', varsIgnorePattern: '^_' }],
-  'no-console': 'off',
-  'no-empty': ['warn', { allowEmptyCatch: true }],
-    },
-  },
-];
diff --git a/package.json b/package.json
deleted file mode 100644
index 03d1c5a..0000000
--- a/package.json
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,40 +0,0 @@
-{
-  "name": "hitstar-webapp",
-  "version": "0.1.0",
-  "private": true,
-  "description": "Local Hitster-like multiplayer web app using WebSockets and local MP3s",
-  "main": "src/server/index.js",
-  "type": "module",
-  "scripts": {
-    "start": "node src/server/index.js",
-    "dev": "nodemon src/server/index.js",
-  "audio:convert": "node scripts/convert-to-opus.js",
-  "audio:convert:dry": "node scripts/convert-to-opus.js --dry-run",
-    "years:resolve": "node scripts/resolve-years.js",
-    "years:resolve:10": "node scripts/resolve-years.js --max 10",
-    "years:force": "node scripts/resolve-years.js --force",
-    "lint": "eslint . --ext .js",
-    "lint:fix": "eslint . --ext .js --fix",
-    "format": "prettier --write \"**/*.{js,json,md,css,html}\"",
-    "format:check": "prettier --check \"**/*.{js,json,md,css,html}\""
-  },
-  "dependencies": {
-    "express": "^4.19.2",
-    "lru-cache": "^11.0.0",
-    "mime": "^3.0.0",
-    "music-metadata": "^7.14.0",
-    "socket.io": "^4.7.5",
-    "undici": "^6.19.8",
-    "uuid": "^9.0.1"
-  },
-  "devDependencies": {
-    "@eslint/js": "^9.11.1",
-  "ffmpeg-static": "^5.2.0",
-    "eslint": "^9.11.1",
-    "eslint-config-prettier": "^9.1.0",
-    "eslint-plugin-import": "^2.29.1",
-    "globals": "^13.24.0",
-    "nodemon": "^3.1.0",
-    "prettier": "^3.3.3"
-  }
-}
diff --git a/src/server-deno/public/index.html b/src/server-deno/public/index.html
index b3502a0..2c4e7e9 100644
--- a/src/server-deno/public/index.html
+++ b/src/server-deno/public/index.html
@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@
   <title>Hitstar Web</title>
   <script src="https://cdn.tailwindcss.com"></script>
   <script src="https://cdn.socket.io/4.7.5/socket.io.min.js"></script>
+  <script src="https://cdnjs.cloudflare.com/ajax/libs/howler/2.2.4/howler.min.js"></script>
   <style>
     @keyframes record-spin {
       from {
@@ -186,7 +187,7 @@
             <div id="revealBanner" class="hidden"></div>
           </div>
           <div class="mt-3">
-            <audio id="audio" preload="none" class="hidden"></audio>
+            <!-- Audio element removed - using Howler.js now -->
             <div class="flex flex-col items-center">
               <!-- Record Disc -->
               <div class="relative" style="width: 200px; height: 200px">
diff --git a/src/server-deno/public/js/audio.js b/src/server-deno/public/js/audio.js
index 8b0bbe7..5752bdb 100644
--- a/src/server-deno/public/js/audio.js
+++ b/src/server-deno/public/js/audio.js
@@ -1,77 +1,241 @@
-import { $audio, $bufferBadge, $progressFill, $recordDisc } from './dom.js';
-import { state } from './state.js';
+import { $bufferBadge, $progressFill, $recordDisc } from "./dom.js";
+import { state } from "./state.js";
 
-export function initAudioUI() {
-  try {
-    if ('preservesPitch' in $audio) $audio.preservesPitch = true;
-    if ('mozPreservesPitch' in $audio) $audio.mozPreservesPitch = true;
-    if ('webkitPreservesPitch' in $audio) $audio.webkitPreservesPitch = true;
-  } catch {}
-  $audio.addEventListener('timeupdate', () => {
-    const dur = $audio.duration || 0;
-    if (!dur || !$progressFill) return;
-    const pct = Math.min(100, Math.max(0, ($audio.currentTime / dur) * 100));
-    $progressFill.style.width = pct + '%';
-  });
-  const showBuffer = (v) => {
-    state.isBuffering = v;
-    if ($bufferBadge) $bufferBadge.classList.toggle('hidden', !v);
-    if ($recordDisc) $recordDisc.classList.toggle('spin-record', !v && !$audio.paused);
-  };
-  $audio.addEventListener('waiting', () => showBuffer(true));
-  $audio.addEventListener('stalled', () => showBuffer(true));
-  $audio.addEventListener('canplay', () => showBuffer(false));
-  $audio.addEventListener('playing', () => showBuffer(false));
-  $audio.addEventListener('ended', () => {
-    if ($recordDisc) $recordDisc.classList.remove('spin-record');
-    $audio.playbackRate = 1.0;
-  });
+// Howler.js audio instance
+let currentSound = null;
+let progressInterval = null;
+let isInitialized = false;
+
+/**
+ * Get or create the current Howler sound instance
+ */
+export function getSound() {
+  return currentSound;
 }
 
+/**
+ * Load and prepare a new track
+ * @param {string} url - The URL to load
+ * @param {string} [fileName] - Optional filename to extract format from
+ */
+export function loadTrack(url, fileName) {
+  // Unload previous sound
+  if (currentSound) {
+    currentSound.unload();
+    currentSound = null;
+  }
+
+  // Clear progress interval
+  if (progressInterval) {
+    clearInterval(progressInterval);
+    progressInterval = null;
+  }
+
+  // Determine format from filename if provided
+  let format = null;
+  if (fileName) {
+    const ext = fileName.slice(fileName.lastIndexOf(".") + 1).toLowerCase();
+    // Map common extensions to Howler format names
+    const formatMap = {
+      mp3: "mp3",
+      opus: "opus",
+      ogg: "ogg",
+      wav: "wav",
+      m4a: "m4a",
+      aac: "aac",
+    };
+    format = formatMap[ext] || ext;
+  }
+
+  // Create new Howler sound
+  const howlConfig = {
+    src: [url],
+    html5: true, // Use HTML5 Audio for streaming
+    preload: true,
+    autoplay: false, // Explicitly prevent autoplay
+    volume: parseFloat(localStorage.getItem("volume") || "1"),
+    onload: function () {
+      showBuffer(false);
+    },
+    onloaderror: function (id, error) {
+      console.error("Error loading audio:", error);
+      showBuffer(false);
+    },
+    onplayerror: function (id, error) {
+      console.error("Error playing audio:", error);
+      currentSound.once("unlock", function () {
+        currentSound.play();
+      });
+    },
+    onplay: function () {
+      showBuffer(false);
+      if ($recordDisc) $recordDisc.classList.add("spin-record");
+      startProgressTracking();
+    },
+    onpause: function () {
+      if ($recordDisc) $recordDisc.classList.remove("spin-record");
+      stopProgressTracking();
+    },
+    onend: function () {
+      if ($recordDisc) $recordDisc.classList.remove("spin-record");
+      stopProgressTracking();
+    },
+    onstop: function () {
+      if ($recordDisc) $recordDisc.classList.remove("spin-record");
+      stopProgressTracking();
+    },
+  };
+
+  // Add format if detected
+  if (format) {
+    howlConfig.format = [format];
+  }
+
+  currentSound = new Howl(howlConfig);
+
+  return currentSound;
+}
+
+/**
+ * Start tracking playback progress
+ */
+function startProgressTracking() {
+  if (progressInterval) return;
+
+  progressInterval = setInterval(() => {
+    if (!currentSound || !currentSound.playing()) {
+      stopProgressTracking();
+      return;
+    }
+
+    const duration = currentSound.duration() || 0;
+    const seek = currentSound.seek() || 0;
+
+    if (duration > 0 && $progressFill) {
+      const pct = Math.min(100, Math.max(0, (seek / duration) * 100));
+      $progressFill.style.width = pct + "%";
+    }
+  }, 100); // Update every 100ms for smooth progress
+}
+
+/**
+ * Stop tracking playback progress
+ */
+function stopProgressTracking() {
+  if (progressInterval) {
+    clearInterval(progressInterval);
+    progressInterval = null;
+  }
+}
+
+/**
+ * Show/hide buffering indicator
+ */
+function showBuffer(visible) {
+  state.isBuffering = visible;
+  if ($bufferBadge) $bufferBadge.classList.toggle("hidden", !visible);
+  if ($recordDisc && !visible && currentSound?.playing()) {
+    $recordDisc.classList.add("spin-record");
+  } else if ($recordDisc && visible) {
+    $recordDisc.classList.remove("spin-record");
+  }
+}
+
+/**
+ * Initialize audio UI and Howler settings
+ */
+export function initAudioUI() {
+  if (isInitialized) return;
+  isInitialized = true;
+
+  // Set up volume control if it exists
+  const $volumeSlider = document.getElementById("volumeSlider");
+  if ($volumeSlider) {
+    const savedVolume = localStorage.getItem("volume") || "1";
+    $volumeSlider.value = savedVolume;
+
+    $volumeSlider.addEventListener("input", () => {
+      const volume = parseFloat($volumeSlider.value);
+      if (currentSound) {
+        currentSound.volume(volume);
+      }
+      Howler.volume(volume); // Set global volume
+      localStorage.setItem("volume", String(volume));
+    });
+  }
+
+  // Unlock audio on first user interaction (mobile browsers)
+  const unlockAudio = () => {
+    Howler.ctx?.resume();
+    document.removeEventListener("touchstart", unlockAudio);
+    document.removeEventListener("touchend", unlockAudio);
+    document.removeEventListener("click", unlockAudio);
+  };
+
+  document.addEventListener("touchstart", unlockAudio);
+  document.addEventListener("touchend", unlockAudio);
+  document.addEventListener("click", unlockAudio);
+}
+
+/**
+ * Apply time synchronization with server
+ */
 export function applySync(startAt, serverNow) {
-  if (!startAt || !serverNow) return;
+  if (!startAt || !serverNow || !currentSound) return;
   if (state.room?.state?.paused) return;
   if (state.isBuffering) return;
+
   const now = Date.now();
   const elapsed = (now - startAt) / 1000;
-  const drift = ($audio.currentTime || 0) - elapsed;
+  const currentSeek = currentSound.seek() || 0;
+  const drift = currentSeek - elapsed;
   const abs = Math.abs(drift);
+
   if (abs > 1.0) {
-    $audio.currentTime = Math.max(0, elapsed);
-    if ($audio.paused) $audio.play().catch(() => {});
-    $audio.playbackRate = 1.0;
+    // Large drift - hard seek
+    currentSound.seek(Math.max(0, elapsed));
+    if (!currentSound.playing()) {
+      currentSound.play();
+    }
+    currentSound.rate(1.0);
   } else if (abs > 0.12) {
+    // Small drift - adjust playback rate
     const maxNudge = 0.03;
     const sign = drift > 0 ? -1 : 1;
     const rate = 1 + sign * Math.min(maxNudge, abs * 0.5);
-    $audio.playbackRate = Math.max(0.8, Math.min(1.2, rate));
+    currentSound.rate(Math.max(0.8, Math.min(1.2, rate)));
   } else {
-    if (Math.abs($audio.playbackRate - 1) > 0.001) {
-      $audio.playbackRate = 1.0;
+    // Very small or no drift - reset to normal rate
+    if (Math.abs(currentSound.rate() - 1) > 0.001) {
+      currentSound.rate(1.0);
     }
   }
 }
 
+/**
+ * Stop audio playback and reset state
+ */
 export function stopAudioPlayback() {
+  if (currentSound) {
+    currentSound.stop();
+    currentSound.unload();
+    currentSound = null;
+  }
+
+  if (progressInterval) {
+    clearInterval(progressInterval);
+    progressInterval = null;
+  }
+
   try {
-    $audio.pause();
+    if ($recordDisc) $recordDisc.classList.remove("spin-record");
   } catch {}
+
   try {
-    $audio.currentTime = 0;
+    if ($progressFill) $progressFill.style.width = "0%";
   } catch {}
+
   try {
-    $audio.src = '';
-  } catch {}
-  try {
-    $audio.playbackRate = 1.0;
-  } catch {}
-  try {
-    if ($recordDisc) $recordDisc.classList.remove('spin-record');
-  } catch {}
-  try {
-    if ($progressFill) $progressFill.style.width = '0%';
-  } catch {}
-  try {
-    if ($bufferBadge) $bufferBadge.classList.add('hidden');
+    if ($bufferBadge) $bufferBadge.classList.add("hidden");
   } catch {}
 }
diff --git a/src/server-deno/public/js/dom.js b/src/server-deno/public/js/dom.js
index 1a8ae31..daa01d7 100644
--- a/src/server-deno/public/js/dom.js
+++ b/src/server-deno/public/js/dom.js
@@ -1,58 +1,57 @@
 const el = (id) => document.getElementById(id);
 
-export const $lobby = el('lobby');
-export const $room = el('room');
-export const $roomId = el('roomId');
-export const $nameDisplay = el('nameDisplay');
-export const $status = el('status');
-export const $guesser = el('guesser');
-export const $timeline = el('timeline');
-export const $audio = el('audio');
-export const $np = el('nowPlaying');
-export const $npTitle = el('npTitle');
-export const $npArtist = el('npArtist');
-export const $npYear = el('npYear');
-export const $readyChk = el('readyChk');
-export const $startGame = el('startGame');
-export const $revealBanner = el('revealBanner');
-export const $placeArea = el('placeArea');
-export const $slotSelect = el('slotSelect');
-export const $placeBtn = el('placeBtn');
-export const $mediaControls = el('mediaControls');
-export const $playBtn = el('playBtn');
-export const $pauseBtn = el('pauseBtn');
-export const $nextArea = el('nextArea');
-export const $nextBtn = el('nextBtn');
-export const $recordDisc = el('recordDisc');
-export const $progressFill = el('progressFill');
-export const $volumeSlider = el('volumeSlider');
-export const $bufferBadge = el('bufferBadge');
-export const $copyRoomCode = el('copyRoomCode');
-export const $nameLobby = el('name');
-export const $saveName = el('saveName');
-export const $createRoom = el('createRoom');
-export const $joinRoom = el('joinRoom');
-export const $roomCode = el('roomCode');
-export const $leaveRoom = el('leaveRoom');
-export const $earnToken = el('earnToken');
-export const $dashboardList = el('dashboardList');
-export const $toast = el('toast');
+export const $lobby = el("lobby");
+export const $room = el("room");
+export const $roomId = el("roomId");
+export const $nameDisplay = el("nameDisplay");
+export const $status = el("status");
+export const $guesser = el("guesser");
+export const $timeline = el("timeline");
+export const $np = el("nowPlaying");
+export const $npTitle = el("npTitle");
+export const $npArtist = el("npArtist");
+export const $npYear = el("npYear");
+export const $readyChk = el("readyChk");
+export const $startGame = el("startGame");
+export const $revealBanner = el("revealBanner");
+export const $placeArea = el("placeArea");
+export const $slotSelect = el("slotSelect");
+export const $placeBtn = el("placeBtn");
+export const $mediaControls = el("mediaControls");
+export const $playBtn = el("playBtn");
+export const $pauseBtn = el("pauseBtn");
+export const $nextArea = el("nextArea");
+export const $nextBtn = el("nextBtn");
+export const $recordDisc = el("recordDisc");
+export const $progressFill = el("progressFill");
+export const $volumeSlider = el("volumeSlider");
+export const $bufferBadge = el("bufferBadge");
+export const $copyRoomCode = el("copyRoomCode");
+export const $nameLobby = el("name");
+export const $saveName = el("saveName");
+export const $createRoom = el("createRoom");
+export const $joinRoom = el("joinRoom");
+export const $roomCode = el("roomCode");
+export const $leaveRoom = el("leaveRoom");
+export const $earnToken = el("earnToken");
+export const $dashboardList = el("dashboardList");
+export const $toast = el("toast");
 // Answer form elements
-export const $answerForm = el('answerForm');
-export const $guessTitle = el('guessTitle');
-export const $guessArtist = el('guessArtist');
-export const $answerResult = el('answerResult');
+export const $answerForm = el("answerForm");
+export const $guessTitle = el("guessTitle");
+export const $guessArtist = el("guessArtist");
+export const $answerResult = el("answerResult");
 // Playlist elements
-export const $playlistSection = el('playlistSection');
-export const $playlistSelect = el('playlistSelect');
-export const $currentPlaylist = el('currentPlaylist');
-export const $playlistInfo = el('playlistInfo');
+export const $playlistSection = el("playlistSection");
+export const $playlistSelect = el("playlistSelect");
+export const $currentPlaylist = el("currentPlaylist");
+export const $playlistInfo = el("playlistInfo");
 
 export function showLobby() {
-  $lobby.classList.remove('hidden');
-  $room.classList.add('hidden');
+  $lobby.classList.remove("hidden");
+  $room.classList.add("hidden");
 }
 export function showRoom() {
-  $lobby.classList.add('hidden');
-  $room.classList.remove('hidden');
+  $lobby.classList.add("hidden");
+  $room.classList.remove("hidden");
 }
diff --git a/src/server-deno/public/js/handlers.js b/src/server-deno/public/js/handlers.js
index ef8541f..19e4f15 100644
--- a/src/server-deno/public/js/handlers.js
+++ b/src/server-deno/public/js/handlers.js
@@ -1,16 +1,15 @@
 import {
   $answerResult,
-  $audio,
   $guessArtist,
   $guessTitle,
   $npArtist,
   $npTitle,
   $npYear,
-} from './dom.js';
-import { state } from './state.js';
-import { cacheLastRoomId, cacheSessionId, sendMsg } from './ws.js';
-import { renderRoom } from './render.js';
-import { applySync } from './audio.js';
+} from "./dom.js";
+import { state } from "./state.js";
+import { cacheLastRoomId, cacheSessionId, sendMsg } from "./ws.js";
+import { renderRoom } from "./render.js";
+import { applySync, loadTrack, getSound } from "./audio.js";
 
 function updatePlayerIdFromRoom(r) {
   try {
@@ -19,7 +18,7 @@ function updatePlayerIdFromRoom(r) {
       if (only && only.id && only.id !== state.playerId) {
         state.playerId = only.id;
         try {
-          localStorage.setItem('playerId', only.id);
+          localStorage.setItem("playerId", only.id);
         } catch {}
       }
     }
@@ -27,7 +26,7 @@ function updatePlayerIdFromRoom(r) {
 }
 
 function shortName(id) {
-  if (!id) return '-';
+  if (!id) return "-";
   const p = state.room?.players.find((x) => x.id === id);
   return p ? p.name : id.slice(0, 4);
 }
@@ -35,15 +34,15 @@ function shortName(id) {
 export function handleConnected(msg) {
   state.playerId = msg.playerId;
   try {
-    if (msg.playerId) localStorage.setItem('playerId', msg.playerId);
+    if (msg.playerId) localStorage.setItem("playerId", msg.playerId);
   } catch {}
   if (msg.sessionId) {
-    const existing = localStorage.getItem('sessionId');
+    const existing = localStorage.getItem("sessionId");
     if (!existing) cacheSessionId(msg.sessionId);
   }
 
   // lazy import to avoid cycle
-  import('./session.js').then(({ reusePlayerName, reconnectLastRoom }) => {
+  import("./session.js").then(({ reusePlayerName, reconnectLastRoom }) => {
     reusePlayerName();
     reconnectLastRoom();
   });
@@ -67,44 +66,41 @@ export function handlePlayTrack(msg) {
   const t = msg.track;
   state.lastTrack = t;
   state.revealed = false;
-  $npTitle.textContent = '???';
-  $npArtist.textContent = '';
-  $npYear.textContent = '';
-  if ($guessTitle) $guessTitle.value = '';
-  if ($guessArtist) $guessArtist.value = '';
+  $npTitle.textContent = "???";
+  $npArtist.textContent = "";
+  $npYear.textContent = "";
+  if ($guessTitle) $guessTitle.value = "";
+  if ($guessArtist) $guessArtist.value = "";
   if ($answerResult) {
-    $answerResult.textContent = '';
-    $answerResult.className = 'mt-1 text-sm';
+    $answerResult.textContent = "";
+    $answerResult.className = "mt-1 text-sm";
   }
-  try {
-    $audio.preload = 'auto';
-  } catch {}
 
-  // Reset audio state before setting new source
-  try {
-    $audio.pause();
-    $audio.currentTime = 0;
-  } catch {}
+  // Load track with Howler, passing the filename for format detection
+  const sound = loadTrack(t.url, t.file);
 
-  $audio.src = t.url;
-  const pf = document.getElementById('progressFill');
-  if (pf) pf.style.width = '0%';
-  const rd = document.getElementById('recordDisc');
+  const pf = document.getElementById("progressFill");
+  if (pf) pf.style.width = "0%";
+  const rd = document.getElementById("recordDisc");
   if (rd) {
-    rd.classList.remove('spin-record');
-    rd.src = '/hitstar.png';
+    rd.classList.remove("spin-record");
+    rd.src = "/hitstar.png";
   }
+
   const { startAt, serverNow } = msg;
   const now = Date.now();
   const offsetMs = startAt - serverNow;
   const localStart = now + offsetMs;
   const delay = Math.max(0, localStart - now);
+
   setTimeout(() => {
-    // Don't reset currentTime again - it's already 0 from above
-    $audio.play().catch(() => {});
-    const disc = document.getElementById('recordDisc');
-    if (disc) disc.classList.add('spin-record');
+    if (sound && sound === getSound() && !sound.playing()) {
+      sound.play();
+      const disc = document.getElementById("recordDisc");
+      if (disc) disc.classList.add("spin-record");
+    }
   }, delay);
+
   if (state.room) renderRoom(state.room);
 }
 
@@ -114,43 +110,47 @@ export function handleSync(msg) {
 
 export function handleControl(msg) {
   const { action, startAt, serverNow } = msg;
-  if (action === 'pause') {
-    $audio.pause();
-    const disc = document.getElementById('recordDisc');
-    if (disc) disc.classList.remove('spin-record');
-    $audio.playbackRate = 1.0;
-  } else if (action === 'play') {
+  const sound = getSound();
+
+  if (!sound) return;
+
+  if (action === "pause") {
+    sound.pause();
+    const disc = document.getElementById("recordDisc");
+    if (disc) disc.classList.remove("spin-record");
+    sound.rate(1.0);
+  } else if (action === "play") {
     if (startAt && serverNow) {
       const now = Date.now();
       const elapsed = (now - startAt) / 1000;
-      $audio.currentTime = Math.max(0, elapsed);
+      sound.seek(Math.max(0, elapsed));
     }
-    $audio.play().catch(() => {});
-    const disc = document.getElementById('recordDisc');
-    if (disc) disc.classList.add('spin-record');
+    sound.play();
+    const disc = document.getElementById("recordDisc");
+    if (disc) disc.classList.add("spin-record");
   }
 }
 
 export function handleReveal(msg) {
   const { result, track } = msg;
-  $npTitle.textContent = track.title || track.id || 'Track';
-  $npArtist.textContent = track.artist ? ` – ${track.artist}` : '';
-  $npYear.textContent = track.year ? ` (${track.year})` : '';
+  $npTitle.textContent = track.title || track.id || "Track";
+  $npArtist.textContent = track.artist ? ` – ${track.artist}` : "";
+  $npYear.textContent = track.year ? ` (${track.year})` : "";
   state.revealed = true;
-  const $rb = document.getElementById('revealBanner');
+  const $rb = document.getElementById("revealBanner");
   if ($rb) {
     if (result.correct) {
-      $rb.textContent = 'Richtig!';
+      $rb.textContent = "Richtig!";
       $rb.className =
-        'inline-block rounded-md bg-emerald-600 text-white px-3 py-1 text-sm font-medium';
+        "inline-block rounded-md bg-emerald-600 text-white px-3 py-1 text-sm font-medium";
     } else {
-      $rb.textContent = 'Falsch!';
+      $rb.textContent = "Falsch!";
       $rb.className =
-        'inline-block rounded-md bg-rose-600 text-white px-3 py-1 text-sm font-medium';
+        "inline-block rounded-md bg-rose-600 text-white px-3 py-1 text-sm font-medium";
     }
   }
   // Note: placeArea visibility is now controlled by renderRoom() based on game phase
-  const rd = document.getElementById('recordDisc');
+  const rd = document.getElementById("recordDisc");
   if (rd && track?.file) {
     // Use track.file instead of track.id to include playlist folder prefix
     const coverUrl = `/cover/${encodeURIComponent(track.file)}`;
@@ -173,58 +173,60 @@ export function handleGameEnded(msg) {
 export function onMessage(ev) {
   const msg = JSON.parse(ev.data);
   switch (msg.type) {
-    case 'resume_result': {
+    case "resume_result": {
       if (msg.ok) {
         if (msg.playerId) {
           state.playerId = msg.playerId;
           try {
-            localStorage.setItem('playerId', msg.playerId);
+            localStorage.setItem("playerId", msg.playerId);
           } catch {}
         }
-        const code = msg.roomId || state.room?.id || localStorage.getItem('lastRoomId');
-        if (code) sendMsg({ type: 'join_room', roomId: code });
+        const code =
+          msg.roomId || state.room?.id || localStorage.getItem("lastRoomId");
+        if (code) sendMsg({ type: "join_room", roomId: code });
         if (state.room) {
           try {
             renderRoom(state.room);
           } catch {}
         }
       } else {
-        const code = state.room?.id || localStorage.getItem('lastRoomId');
-        if (code) sendMsg({ type: 'join_room', roomId: code });
+        const code = state.room?.id || localStorage.getItem("lastRoomId");
+        if (code) sendMsg({ type: "join_room", roomId: code });
       }
       return;
     }
-    case 'connected':
+    case "connected":
       return handleConnected(msg);
-    case 'room_update':
+    case "room_update":
       return handleRoomUpdate(msg);
-    case 'play_track':
+    case "play_track":
       return handlePlayTrack(msg);
-    case 'sync':
+    case "sync":
       return handleSync(msg);
-    case 'control':
+    case "control":
       return handleControl(msg);
-    case 'reveal':
+    case "reveal":
       return handleReveal(msg);
-    case 'game_ended':
+    case "game_ended":
       return handleGameEnded(msg);
-    case 'answer_result': {
+    case "answer_result": {
       if ($answerResult) {
         if (!msg.ok) {
-          $answerResult.textContent = '⛔ Eingabe ungültig oder gerade nicht möglich';
-          $answerResult.className = 'mt-1 text-sm text-rose-600';
+          $answerResult.textContent =
+            "⛔ Eingabe ungültig oder gerade nicht möglich";
+          $answerResult.className = "mt-1 text-sm text-rose-600";
         } else {
           const okBoth = !!(msg.correctTitle && msg.correctArtist);
           const parts = [];
-          parts.push(msg.correctTitle ? 'Titel ✓' : 'Titel ✗');
-          parts.push(msg.correctArtist ? 'Künstler ✓' : 'Künstler ✗');
-          let coin = '';
-          if (msg.awarded) coin = ' +1 Token';
-          else if (msg.alreadyAwarded) coin = ' (bereits erhalten)';
-          $answerResult.textContent = `${parts.join(' · ')}${coin}`;
+          parts.push(msg.correctTitle ? "Titel ✓" : "Titel ✗");
+          parts.push(msg.correctArtist ? "Künstler ✓" : "Künstler ✗");
+          let coin = "";
+          if (msg.awarded) coin = " +1 Token";
+          else if (msg.alreadyAwarded) coin = " (bereits erhalten)";
+          $answerResult.textContent = `${parts.join(" · ")}${coin}`;
           $answerResult.className = okBoth
-            ? 'mt-1 text-sm text-emerald-600'
-            : 'mt-1 text-sm text-amber-600';
+            ? "mt-1 text-sm text-emerald-600"
+            : "mt-1 text-sm text-amber-600";
         }
       }
       return;
diff --git a/src/server-deno/public/js/ui.js b/src/server-deno/public/js/ui.js
index 274ae7b..149d30d 100644
--- a/src/server-deno/public/js/ui.js
+++ b/src/server-deno/public/js/ui.js
@@ -1,5 +1,4 @@
 import {
-  $audio,
   $answerResult,
   $copyRoomCode,
   $createRoom,
@@ -22,11 +21,11 @@ import {
   $playBtn,
   $volumeSlider,
   $saveName,
-} from './dom.js';
-import { state } from './state.js';
-import { initAudioUI, stopAudioPlayback } from './audio.js';
-import { sendMsg } from './ws.js';
-import { showToast, wire } from './utils.js';
+} from "./dom.js";
+import { state } from "./state.js";
+import { initAudioUI, stopAudioPlayback } from "./audio.js";
+import { sendMsg } from "./ws.js";
+import { showToast, wire } from "./utils.js";
 
 export function wireUi() {
   initAudioUI();
@@ -37,15 +36,15 @@ export function wireUi() {
   // Button was removed; no state management needed.
 
   function saveNameIfChanged(raw) {
-    const name = (raw || '').trim();
+    const name = (raw || "").trim();
     if (!name) return;
     try {
-      const prev = localStorage.getItem('playerName') || '';
+      const prev = localStorage.getItem("playerName") || "";
       if (prev === name) return; // no-op
-      localStorage.setItem('playerName', name);
+      localStorage.setItem("playerName", name);
       if ($nameDisplay) $nameDisplay.textContent = name;
-      sendMsg({ type: 'set_name', name });
-      showToast('Name gespeichert!');
+      sendMsg({ type: "set_name", name });
+      showToast("Name gespeichert!");
     } catch {
       // best-effort
     }
@@ -53,19 +52,19 @@ export function wireUi() {
 
   // Manual save button
   if ($saveName) {
-    wire($saveName, 'click', () => {
+    wire($saveName, "click", () => {
       if (nameDebounce) {
         clearTimeout(nameDebounce);
         nameDebounce = null;
       }
-      const val = ($nameLobby?.value || '').trim();
+      const val = ($nameLobby?.value || "").trim();
       if (!val) {
-        showToast('⚠️ Bitte gib einen Namen ein!');
+        showToast("⚠️ Bitte gib einen Namen ein!");
         return;
       }
-      const prev = localStorage.getItem('playerName') || '';
+      const prev = localStorage.getItem("playerName") || "";
       if (prev === val) {
-        showToast('✓ Name bereits gespeichert!');
+        showToast("✓ Name bereits gespeichert!");
         return;
       }
       saveNameIfChanged(val);
@@ -74,9 +73,9 @@ export function wireUi() {
 
   // Autosave on input with debounce
   if ($nameLobby) {
-    wire($nameLobby, 'input', () => {
+    wire($nameLobby, "input", () => {
       if (nameDebounce) clearTimeout(nameDebounce);
-      const val = ($nameLobby.value || '').trim();
+      const val = ($nameLobby.value || "").trim();
       if (!val) return;
       nameDebounce = setTimeout(() => {
         saveNameIfChanged($nameLobby.value);
@@ -84,114 +83,107 @@ export function wireUi() {
       }, SAVE_DEBOUNCE_MS);
     });
     // Save immediately on blur
-    wire($nameLobby, 'blur', () => {
+    wire($nameLobby, "blur", () => {
       if (nameDebounce) {
         clearTimeout(nameDebounce);
         nameDebounce = null;
       }
-      const val = ($nameLobby.value || '').trim();
+      const val = ($nameLobby.value || "").trim();
       if (val) saveNameIfChanged(val);
     });
     // Save on Enter
-    wire($nameLobby, 'keydown', (e) => {
-      if (e.key === 'Enter') {
+    wire($nameLobby, "keydown", (e) => {
+      if (e.key === "Enter") {
         e.preventDefault();
         if (nameDebounce) {
           clearTimeout(nameDebounce);
           nameDebounce = null;
         }
-        const val = ($nameLobby.value || '').trim();
+        const val = ($nameLobby.value || "").trim();
         if (val) saveNameIfChanged(val);
       }
     });
   }
 
-  wire($createRoom, 'click', () => sendMsg({ type: 'create_room' }));
+  wire($createRoom, "click", () => sendMsg({ type: "create_room" }));
 
-  wire($joinRoom, 'click', () => {
+  wire($joinRoom, "click", () => {
     const code = $roomCode.value.trim();
-    if (code) sendMsg({ type: 'join_room', roomId: code });
+    if (code) sendMsg({ type: "join_room", roomId: code });
   });
 
-  wire($leaveRoom, 'click', () => {
-    sendMsg({ type: 'leave_room' });
+  wire($leaveRoom, "click", () => {
+    sendMsg({ type: "leave_room" });
     try {
-      localStorage.removeItem('playerId');
-      localStorage.removeItem('sessionId');
-      localStorage.removeItem('dashboardHintSeen');
-      localStorage.removeItem('lastRoomId');
+      localStorage.removeItem("playerId");
+      localStorage.removeItem("sessionId");
+      localStorage.removeItem("dashboardHintSeen");
+      localStorage.removeItem("lastRoomId");
     } catch {}
     stopAudioPlayback();
     state.room = null;
     if ($nameLobby) {
       try {
-        const storedName = localStorage.getItem('playerName') || '';
+        const storedName = localStorage.getItem("playerName") || "";
         $nameLobby.value = storedName;
       } catch {
-        $nameLobby.value = '';
+        $nameLobby.value = "";
       }
     }
-    if ($nameDisplay) $nameDisplay.textContent = '';
+    if ($nameDisplay) $nameDisplay.textContent = "";
     if ($readyChk) {
       try {
         $readyChk.checked = false;
       } catch {}
     }
-    $lobby.classList.remove('hidden');
-    $room.classList.add('hidden');
+    $lobby.classList.remove("hidden");
+    $room.classList.add("hidden");
   });
 
-  wire($startGame, 'click', () => {
+  wire($startGame, "click", () => {
     // Validate playlist selection before starting
     if (!state.room?.state?.playlist) {
-      showToast('⚠️ Bitte wähle zuerst eine Playlist aus!');
+      showToast("⚠️ Bitte wähle zuerst eine Playlist aus!");
       return;
     }
-    sendMsg({ type: 'start_game' });
+    sendMsg({ type: "start_game" });
   });
 
-  wire($readyChk, 'change', (e) => {
+  wire($readyChk, "change", (e) => {
     const val = !!e.target.checked;
     state.pendingReady = val;
-    sendMsg({ type: 'ready', ready: val });
+    sendMsg({ type: "ready", ready: val });
   });
 
   // Playlist selection
-  const $playlistSelect = document.getElementById('playlistSelect');
+  const $playlistSelect = document.getElementById("playlistSelect");
   if ($playlistSelect) {
-    wire($playlistSelect, 'change', (e) => {
+    wire($playlistSelect, "change", (e) => {
       const playlistId = e.target.value;
-      sendMsg({ type: 'select_playlist', playlist: playlistId });
+      sendMsg({ type: "select_playlist", playlist: playlistId });
     });
   }
 
-  wire($placeBtn, 'click', () => {
+  wire($placeBtn, "click", () => {
     const slot = parseInt($slotSelect.value, 10);
-    sendMsg({ type: 'place_guess', slot });
+    sendMsg({ type: "place_guess", slot });
   });
 
-  wire($playBtn, 'click', () => sendMsg({ type: 'resume_play' }));
-  wire($pauseBtn, 'click', () => sendMsg({ type: 'pause' }));
-  wire($nextBtn, 'click', () => sendMsg({ type: 'skip_track' }));
+  wire($playBtn, "click", () => sendMsg({ type: "resume_play" }));
+  wire($pauseBtn, "click", () => sendMsg({ type: "pause" }));
+  wire($nextBtn, "click", () => sendMsg({ type: "skip_track" }));
 
-  if ($volumeSlider && $audio) {
-    try {
-      $volumeSlider.value = String($audio.volume ?? 1);
-    } catch {}
-    $volumeSlider.addEventListener('input', () => {
-      $audio.volume = parseFloat($volumeSlider.value);
-    });
-  }
+  // Volume slider is now handled in audio.js initAudioUI()
 
   if ($copyRoomCode) {
-    $copyRoomCode.style.display = 'inline-block';
-    wire($copyRoomCode, 'click', () => {
+    $copyRoomCode.style.display = "inline-block";
+    wire($copyRoomCode, "click", () => {
       if (state.room?.id) {
         navigator.clipboard.writeText(state.room.id).then(() => {
-          $copyRoomCode.textContent = '✔️';
-          showToast('Code kopiert!');
+          $copyRoomCode.textContent = "✔️";
+          showToast("Code kopiert!");
           setTimeout(() => {
-            $copyRoomCode.textContent = '📋';
+            $copyRoomCode.textContent = "📋";
           }, 1200);
         });
       }
@@ -199,57 +191,57 @@ export function wireUi() {
   }
 
   if ($roomId) {
-    wire($roomId, 'click', () => {
+    wire($roomId, "click", () => {
       if (state.room?.id) {
         navigator.clipboard.writeText(state.room.id).then(() => {
-          $roomId.title = 'Kopiert!';
-          showToast('Code kopiert!');
+          $roomId.title = "Kopiert!";
+          showToast("Code kopiert!");
           setTimeout(() => {
-            $roomId.title = 'Klicken zum Kopieren';
+            $roomId.title = "Klicken zum Kopieren";
           }, 1200);
         });
       }
     });
-    $roomId.style.cursor = 'pointer';
+    $roomId.style.cursor = "pointer";
   }
 
-  const form = document.getElementById('answerForm');
+  const form = document.getElementById("answerForm");
   if (form) {
-    form.addEventListener('submit', (e) => {
+    form.addEventListener("submit", (e) => {
       e.preventDefault();
-      const title = ($guessTitle?.value || '').trim();
-      const artist = ($guessArtist?.value || '').trim();
+      const title = ($guessTitle?.value || "").trim();
+      const artist = ($guessArtist?.value || "").trim();
       if (!title || !artist) {
         if ($answerResult) {
-          $answerResult.textContent = 'Bitte Titel und Künstler eingeben';
-          $answerResult.className = 'mt-1 text-sm text-amber-600';
+          $answerResult.textContent = "Bitte Titel und Künstler eingeben";
+          $answerResult.className = "mt-1 text-sm text-amber-600";
         }
         return;
       }
-      sendMsg({ type: 'submit_answer', guess: { title, artist } });
+      sendMsg({ type: "submit_answer", guess: { title, artist } });
     });
   }
 
   // Dashboard one-time hint
-  const dashboard = document.getElementById('dashboard');
-  const dashboardHint = document.getElementById('dashboardHint');
+  const dashboard = document.getElementById("dashboard");
+  const dashboardHint = document.getElementById("dashboardHint");
   if (dashboard && dashboardHint) {
     try {
-      const seen = localStorage.getItem('dashboardHintSeen');
+      const seen = localStorage.getItem("dashboardHintSeen");
       if (!seen) {
-        dashboardHint.classList.remove('hidden');
+        dashboardHint.classList.remove("hidden");
         const hide = () => {
-          dashboardHint.classList.add('hidden');
+          dashboardHint.classList.add("hidden");
           try {
-            localStorage.setItem('dashboardHintSeen', '1');
+            localStorage.setItem("dashboardHintSeen", "1");
           } catch {}
-          dashboard.removeEventListener('toggle', hide);
-          dashboard.removeEventListener('click', hide);
+          dashboard.removeEventListener("toggle", hide);
+          dashboard.removeEventListener("click", hide);
         };
-        dashboard.addEventListener('toggle', hide);
-        dashboard.addEventListener('click', hide, { once: true });
+        dashboard.addEventListener("toggle", hide);
+        dashboard.addEventListener("click", hide, { once: true });
         setTimeout(() => {
-          if (!localStorage.getItem('dashboardHintSeen')) hide();
+          if (!localStorage.getItem("dashboardHintSeen")) hide();
         }, 6000);
       }
     } catch {}