[kcmac]

The following was posted at Macrumors by php.

""http://developer.apple.com/document...section_15.html

Quote from Apple's Developer Connection:

"The sound circuitry and audio device drivers support audio data in multiple formats. Both digital and analog outputs support PCM audio at 16 and 24 bits with sample rates of 32.000 KHz, 44.100 KHz, 48.000 KHz, 64.000 KHz, 88.200 KHz and 96.000 KHz. In addition, the Digital Output also supports AC3 audio at 16 bits with sample rates of 32.000 KHz, 44.100 KHz, 48.000 KHz, 64.000 KHz, 88.200 KHz and 96.000 KHz."

No Macintosh has ever had 24bit 96Khz capability before. I'd say the iMac was made for audio apps.""

Oh wise ones, what does this mean and what will be its effect?

[Link]

That means the imac can handle 24-bit audio. Funny that you bring this up because IIRC, the 15" powerbook can do that as well. (yet another reason for those 12"/17" buyers to be on the fence until the next revision).

I think the G5 can handle that as well.. so uh yeah this is a moot one.

[php]

It actually means that the new iMac can run in 24bit resolution with a 96Khz sample rate.
True the new 15" PB audio is 24bit, but only 48Khz sample rate. As you mentioned the 17" and 12" PB is only 16 bit.
Some audiophile & recording engineer types feel that this greatly extended sample rate along with the 24bit resolution, makes for a much more transparent and natural sound especially listening to a recording of acoustic instruments, compared to the typical 16bit/44.1K sample rate of a CD player.

[kcmac]

Hey php. Hope I didn't offend you by reposting your post on another forum. Looked like something interesting to pass along.

Sounds like good news for the iMac.

[php]

Originally posted by kcmac:
Hey php. Hope I didn't offend you by reposting your post on another forum. Looked like something interesting to pass along.

No problem at all.