Thanks for the reply..
are you 'sure' anything is needed between pins 1 & 8? I have seen many, including the layout Im trying to copy/mimic, that have NOTHING on the pins 1 & 8
my SOUND INPUT is actually coming from a PIC chip... that has a pre-define/flashed firmware on it.. and that specific pin is the SND output pin.
I tested my 'code'.. with a RadioShack, mini amplified speaker.. and the sound 'does' play.. albeit a bit poorly.. (if volume its way up it sounds like crap!. if volume is mid-way it low/soft..but sound ok/better as far as clarity).. by bypassing the AMP all together.. and plugging the RS mini amp speaker to GNS rail and the SND pin on the pic directly..