Comment 7 for bug 160565

00:1b.0 Audio device: Intel Corporation 82801G (ICH7 Family) High Definition Audio Controller (rev 01)

Working with Hardy, delay takes up to 5 seconds. Don't know if it is an issue for you, but if you expect to work with (at least) 2 apps (let's say, VoIP phone and listening to music) you may need been able to modify rhythmbox's volume level asap.

I think is more related to usability. When you get used to rhythmbox (and other media players) it is really comfortable to up/down volume within the taskbar/applet and the mouse wheel, but such delay makes you to stop the player.

Volume control on totem-gstreamer, and gnome's main volume control work as expeted