[Semi-Urgent]Audio in linux - What controls the maximum volume?

Hey, I have a dell xps 15 L205X and i'm having a technician from dell to come over about the speakers making a "burning rubber" smell when used above 80% volume. Now i'm wondering if the smell would be because fedora is pushing the speakers (sub-woofer) above its maximum? What controls the maximum volume, the sound-card or the driver/ALSA? And if its alsa.. what to do about the sub, is it still a problem, should i get it replaced anyway, call off the repair? I'm not sure.. Great Thanks, Luke Martinez http://luke.asia