How about trying with all the correct permissions set on folders and files but using the stock zvd mp3? Does that work?
And on second though, I wonder if the nick and kpsmith disabled the boot sound files in the boot.img itself. One thing to try is to flash the stock boot.img and see if it makes a difference. I can get you a flashable of it, but wont be till later on.
Edit - here you can do this yourself. Take this zip DO NOT FLASH AS IS.
http://db.tt/qVe6phm9
Rename the zip so not to confuse things.
Now open it up and put the zvd boot.img in place of the existing zvj one. Flash with sig verification off and you will have stock zvd boot.img and kernel.