Ubuntu :: Audio Full Of Static And Too Low?

After upgrading from .04 to .10, My audio is full of static. I've also noticed that it is at a lower volume even with the sliders maxed than if I boot into Windows. It used to be that I could leave the speakers alone and booting into either gave the same level of volume. Now, I have to max out the volume on the physical speakers to get a similar level of volume to my Windows install.

To describe the sound problem, it sounds as if one of the sliders has been pushed too far and it's distorting the sound. I've tried it across several applications(rhythmbox, browser), and all audio is like this.

I've looked at the audio settings on the dock panel, but nothing seems amiss(and in fact doesn't leave much room for manipulation).

I have tried the fix listed in the sticky found in the general category:

load-module module-udev-detect tsched=0 but the problem persists after reboot.

I've waited, hoping that an update would resolve the issue, but over a week has passed and I'm still using Windows due to the sound problem in my Ubu install.