I have repeated the action on numerous occasions, sound pressure is very definitely selected as "off". AVLS is also very definitely off LOL but I understand why you had to bring this up though you never know with some people. I used to design computer software and also used to work for Sony though so I am not missing the obvious. I have read on some sites that newer versions of the NW-HD-1 do not respond significantly to the removal of the soundcap and so was looking for another angle and possible way to get around the problem (if one exists) The hardware may have been altered, but I was wondering if either any other option via the service menu or more likely a revision of firmware would help? I say the latter because I guess this might not be a hardware alteration, but something installed via newer firmware? I have directly compared my NW-HD1 with that of my girlfriends and hers is playing at about 40% higher volume so??? Thanks for the responses guys. If anyone can throw some light on what may be going on I would be very grateful..... Cheers