Ok, let's try Auto instead.
This time, I want to go with GUI... partly because I am not sure myself how to remove that line from CLI. 
Generic did not work, let's try Auto instead.
sudo -i
nautilus
Navigate to /etc/modprobe.d/alsa-base.conf opening it in a text editor and the line you added:
options snd-hda-intel model=generic replace generic with auto
So it will be options snd-hda-intel model=auto
Reboot... and test again...
By the time this is done, you will be a masterrebooter.
Looks like quite a bit of people have issues with the XPS 9710 on Ubuntu 20.04/21.04. I'm not sure if you've tried the fixes in the thread though. Thre's a link in the thread with possible fix. Take a look and see if it can help.
Link within reddit thread:
In part, masterpier has already used the higher kernel. Should be on 5.11.0-36 from Zorin and I believe he said something about trying 5.14 (I recommend against the 5.14 kernel).
I went back to the Zorin provided signed 5.11.0-34, then upgraded to 5.11.0-36 yesterday. Wasn't sure if unsigned kernels, although officially from Ubuntu, are good in the long term.
Agreed. They may work out well enough on Ubuntu, but all kernels going to Zorin OS must be tested, patched and vetted by ZorinGroup to ensure that everything works. With fingers crossed.
@Masterpier , one of the links yukKev posted contains this:
Give me a few have a daughter, helping with homework.
OK so made the changes and basically back to a dummy output.
Think I may just have to remain patient for a valid kernel which will have correct drivers for my XPS.
Including this?
issue with this kernel is that I can't use it with VMware Workstation. C header issue.
You are running in a virtual environment? 
Have you checked:
Right click the VM name (either from Library listings or Tab) > Select "Settings" > Select "Sound Card" >Under "Device Status" ensure that "Connected" as well as "Connect at power on" are checked
In Alsamixer
what do you see if you hit [F6]. Any other sound cards listed?
Please post a screenshot.
Per this thread on reddit it is working in 5.15rc1:
Updated to latest firmware and still more of the same, dummy output.
From web search using "Dell XPS 17 9710 Ubuntu 20.04 No Sound" I see many reports of the same from Ubuntu and Dell support sites. The bug appears to have been acknowledged, but can't see which kernel will have the sound fixed without breaking something else.
Just tested Ubuntu budgie 21.10 sound works great on kernel 5.13 on xps 9710. Is it possible to install this kernel on zorin Pro 16? Any help or feedback on this is appreciated
Would prefer official 5.13 kernel since I use vmware workstation
Thanks
Negative, please do not do this. Installing kernel 5.18 will break the system, and it will require a reinstall after, so not recommended.
I don't recall seeing kernel 5.18, I asked about 5.13 official.
