Sound Output Volume Preference won't stick in newly reinstalled 10.6.8.

I recently re-installed OS 10.6.8 (from the retail Snow Leopard Install DVD, followed by the 10.6.8 Combo Updater) to my 2006 iMac (version 6.1) 24". Ever since, whenever I re-boot, the output volume of the internal speakers is set to a reduced level. When I bring it up to the level I like - that's fine, but only for as long as the session. If I re-boot, the level is once again dropped down to the reduced level.
I've reset the output level using the keyboard keys, and also in the System Preferences - nothing seems to stick. I've even plugged in a pair of headphones and set the output volume to be the same as my preferred speaker level, but still, nothing sticks.
I can't find a preference file to delete that is specifically for Sound Preferences. I've used Cocktail to search for a corrupted preference file, but that finds nothing as well.
How can I regain control of my volume setting so that it will survive a re-boot?

I should have added that resetting the P-Ram didn't help, neither did an SMC Reset.

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