I've been searching on this one and I can't seem to find a solution. The problem is that with all the levels for all the other speakers turned up as loud as they can go, and with the subwoofer hardware control volume turned as low as it can go, the subwoofer is still way too loud (depending on the song). Sometimes I have to turn the sound down to levels that are barely audible just so the subwoofer doesn't annoy the neighbours.

There doesn't seem to be a separate subwoofer volume control in alsa. It doesn't seem to be a control that just isn't enable by default either. Is there a custom way to control the volume of the subwoofer or is this something that would require switching to another Linux sound system? I have tried enabling the equalizer in Amarok but nothing sounds as good when I do, no matter what settings I use.

I am using Arch Linux 64 bit with a nvidia MCP51 High Definition Audio (according to lspci, built in audio from an Asus P5N-E SLI). Its a Logitech Z-5300 surround sound system.

Daniel

Update: Pulling the center/subwoofer plug doesn't even seem to make a difference. Is it possible that the other speakers are still routing sound through the subwoofer even when the subwoofer itself doesn't have a direct line? The only documentation I could find on these speakers is an installation guide. Thanks a lot Logitech.

Did you buy it as one system of speakers ?
Did you're subwoofer has his own amplifier ?
And where did you put subwoofer ?
In a corner of the room , that make him sound louder .
It seems to me that have a mismatch of speakers .
After you're update
How can it give sound if you unplug it .
Wireless there are wireless systems .
Do you own one ?

It is a complete set, so it is set up as designed by the company. The subwoofer unit does all the amplification. Three stereo lines go into the subwoofer (left/right, rear left/right, center/subwoofer) and 5 come out to the various speakers.

My thoughts were that maybe the bass coming in on the other lines was causing sound in the subwoofer, as it is still attached, but not with the specific subwoofer line. Perhaps complicating things is the factor that the built in audio has 3 plugins. Generally its just a stereo output situation, but the alternate lines can be used for output as well. They are dual function. The subwoofer also has a setting for 2,4, or 5.1 sound. It is currently set to 5.1.

Maybe I will have to play with the placement of the subwoofer in the room. I am not an audiophile, so I don't have much experience with that aspect of it.

A good subwoofer start working at about 100 HRZ down wards to about 30 HRZ
It should be placed at least 1 meter away from any wall on solid ground .
A good 5,1 system should have calibration tone to give you the change to test if all the speaker has the same sound level.
A every good system has a microphone to do the job.
And also try using the different terminals maybe it make some differences

1 members found this post helpful.

Ok, I didn't realize it should be a meter away. It is way too close now then. I'll have to do some rearranging. Its definitely not what you would call a good system, but it was what I got about 4 years ago. Unfortunately replacing it is not an option right now.

I realize that this is turning out to be not Linux related. I'm willing to bet the problem would exist in other OSes as well. Its just a change of circumstances that makes me realize the bass is too loud for the location I am in. Although I think the sound quality I'm getting in Arch right now is actually better than the quality I had in Windows.

Thanks very much for the 1 meter recommendation. Its not quite that far away now (probably 70 cm or so), but that is a move in the right direction. It definitely doesn't boom as much as it used to.