16bit/24 bit, choice of mac Options

I used to use a G3 Imac 350 to make music and was quite happy with it. I sold it to move country.

Now I am looking to reinvest in a Mac. Is it true that Imacs use only 16bit sound while Powermacs use 24 bit? Is this true for the newer Imacs and Emac?

Also, how much difference does it really make? Is 24 bit Cd quality?

I appreciate any help you guys can give

gamma

ps you can hear what I did solely with an Imac at www.mp3.com/slowblade

[Synthetic]

no problem... glad I could help

this was a puzzling question for me that was finally answered about a year ago when Crystal Method released their last CD. I read an in depth interview with them and they talked about the noticeable difference in 16bit and 24bit. They recorded first CD in 16bit and was convinced into using 24bit for the whole new CD 'Tweekend' and if you compare CD's back to back... you will also notice the differences in dynamics and overall sound quality. I then did some research in some other music mags and sites that basically said same thing. So I record all my instruments in 24bit even if I decided to mix in 16bit due to tons of samples just to get that little extra sound but try to keep as much as possible in the 24bit realm. They also remarked that sampling rates 44100 and 48000 were almost unnoticeable differences so I always use the lower 44100 since most samples come in that form anyhow. Good luck.