Plz explain 24bit too me!

[JMRoe]

Hi, I have a Asus xonar ds sound card 24 bit, but would like to know a few things about bit rate, and sample rate?

First i have read quite a lot about 24bit and kinda understand what it means, but does setting the default format in advanced option in sound menu to 24bit improve mp3 playback, i ask because everything i read relates to recording and not standard mp3 playback!

And sample rate, is this only for recording too? I read so much and really confuse myself with the actual understanding (benifits) of the two?

I dont record nothing my soul purpose of having this card is best sounding music quality, and also to relieve cpu usage in gaming.

And if anyone has this card could you tell what to set it too for optimal sound quality.

Thanks in advanced

 

[JMRoe]

thats what i wanterd to know, so the sound quality is down to the sounds cards processor and nothing to do with 24bit and sample rates is this correct?