I spent a day and a half trying different methods without success. I searched the forum but I can't find an answer to my exact problem.
When I used the method "open samples/xxx.wav, 1" and then "readsf~" to open an audio file chosen randomly between different files (xxx being 0 or 1 or 2 etc etc) all worked fine.
But I have to be able to change the speed of the audio file playing, and the "readsf~" doesn't allow it.
I have to mention that my audio files are quite long and I chosed a length limit of 4min50sec (it seems to be the limit for the audio file to play without issue).
As far as I understand, I need to use "soundfiler" to be able to change the speed of an audio file.
This is working fine with one audio file that is loaded when the patch is getting opened.
But as soon as I want to load automatically a different audio file (chosen randomly in a list of audio files), then it won't work.

SCREENSHOT 1 = If I first chose the file and then read it (adding a delay or not between events), the file will not read, it doesn't appear in the array, it doesn't play.

SCREENSHOT 2 = showing that if I don't chose first the file between different files, then it works. Array ok and audio plays.

Is there a solution for what I'm trying to do?
I need to solve SCREENSHOT 1 to be able to develop the patch further.

Here is the test patch (part of a much larger patch). Without the folder with the samples as the first sample is too big to be posted here.
soundfiler issue.pd.zip

Ok I found the solution!!!!

At least it's the first step before going further. But I was struggling a long time with this and right after posting my question I found a solution (only the playhead position is not working, but I'll look at it now). Typical = coming back after a night break often leads to a solution. At least starting fresh is always beneficial compared to trying hard to find a solution since hours and being trapped.

@freq63 It looks as though the metro for playback position is only on for alternate file loads.
You might want to incorporate automation of adjustment for the file samplerate to ensure correct playback speed. It is dumped by the right outlet of soundfiler..... any-samplerate.zip
That patch also adds the guard points to the [array] to ensure correct interpolation by [tabread4~] as the [phasor~] wraps.
And if you will share the patch then you should get the Pd samplerate using [samplerate~] to insert the value into [expr].
David.