> # lspcidrake vv | grep snd
> snd_intel8x0    : Intel Corporation|82801FB/FBM/FR/FW/FRW (ICH6 Family) 
AC'97 Audio Controller [MULTIMEDIA_AUDIO] (rev: 03)
> # lsmod | sort | grep snd
> ac97_bus               16384  1 snd_ac97_codec
> snd                    69632  12 
snd_ac97_codec,snd_intel8x0,snd_timer,snd_pcm
> snd_ac97_codec        106496  1 snd_intel8x0
> snd_intel8x0           36864  4 
> snd_pcm               102400  2 snd_ac97_codec,snd_intel8x0
> snd_timer              24576  1 snd_pcm
> soundcore              16384  1 snd
> # aplay -l
> **** List of PLAYBACK Hardware Devices ****
> card 0: ICH6 [Intel ICH6], device 0: Intel ICH [Intel ICH6]
>   Subdevices: 1/1
>   Subdevice #0: subdevice #0
> card 0: ICH6 [Intel ICH6], device 4: Intel ICH - IEC958 [Intel ICH6 - 
IEC958]
>   Subdevices: 1/1
>   Subdevice #0: subdevice #0
> 
> Installed packages possibly affecting behavior:
> alsa-plugins-pulse-config-1.0.28-6.mga5
> alsa-tools-1.0.28-1.mga5
> alsa-utils-1.0.28-1.mga5
> aumix-text-2.9.1-6.mga5
> libalsa2-1.0.28-1.mga5
> libalsa-data-1.0.28-1.mga5
> libalsa-oss0-1.0.28-4.mga5
> libalsa-plugins-pulseaudio-1.0.28-6.mga5
> libpulseaudio0-5.0-6.mga5
> libpulsecommon5.0-5.0-6.mga5
> libpulsecore5.0-5.0-6.mga5
> libpulseglib20-5.0-6.mga5
> pulseaudio-5.0-6.mga5
> pulseaudio-client-config-5.0-6.mga5
> pulseaudio-module-gconf-5.0-6.mga5
> pulseaudio-module-x11-5.0-6.mga5
> pulseaudio-utils-5.0-6.mga5
> task-pulseaudio-2011.0-6.mga5
> trinity-arts-1.5.10-14.0.2_1.mga5
> trinity-kmix-14.0.2-1.mga5
> 
> Changing main kmix volume slider has no effect.
> 
> Changing mixer main volume has only two effects:
> 
> 1-all the way down = no sound
> 2-any other position = distorted much too loud sound
> 
> Any suggestions?
> -- 
> "The wise are known for their understanding, and pleasant
> words are persuasive." Proverbs 16:21 (New Living Translation)
> 
>  Team OS/2 ** Reg. Linux User #211409 ** a11y rocks!
> 
> Felix Miata  ***  http://fm.no-ip.com/
> 
> ---------------------------------------------------------------------
First, make sure you have select the right output. Sometimes that's one thing 
that goes wrong, even with single card setups.

Usually there are several controls that determine the file vol and quality.
Master, PCM and, depending on your card, something in the Switches tab. In my 
case (soundblaster audigy) it's bass boost or whatever it's called.

Try dropping the PCM (if you have one) down to about half way and then adjust 
the master. 

If that fails:
Run alsaconf or the like to reset your card's settings.
If that fails:
Use the laptop volume controls. Set it to half and try again.

That's all I can think of, I hope it helps.

Kate