Apparently, _Rob Sims_, on 09/24/04 13:45,typed:
Use kmix, alsamixer, etc. to check your levels on various (especially unconnected) inputs - mic, line in, etc. Set them to zero/muted.
It seems to have worked. By muting IEC958 the hissing sound has gone away, and to my utter delight my ayttm sounds have come back :) :)
The only thing remaining to be seen is the user who uses KDE is also free from these problems.
Thanks a ton, ->HS