David;

I already have libasound2 v1.0.13-2 installed on my machine (although
I don't know if it's really installed correctly and working). Do I
need to install the 'dev' version of the library to use the ALSA
version of Chuck?

Yes. libasound2 is what your system uses to play sounds over ALSA.
libasound2-dev is what you use to compile programs that will make use of these ALSA drivers.

These are like two interlocking pieces of a puzzle, not like two alternatives.
 
Or is the version I have too old?


I would expect it to still work, as long as the versions of library and the -dev versions line up. I'd simply try and see whether you get complaints.

Hope that helps,
Kas.