Mac Start Up Sound

[sigma]

Can the start up sound on a Mac be altered

[Fanriffic]

No. You can mute the sound before you shutdown though and it won't chime went you next startup.

[Buenchico]

This might help:
http://macs.about.com/od/tipstricks/qt/Adding-Startup-Sounds-To-Your-Mac.htm

[Fanriffic]

Good link from Buenchico - you learn something new every day.
Personally I wouldn't mess about with the start up chime.
I like it because it means my iMac is starting up correctly. If it makes the sound of glass smashing it means its faulty and needs a diagnostic check to fix the OS.
My pal just turns his volume down to zero and can't hear it.