It is not unusual to mount the baffle plate of speakers directly to the
drywall. This is typical in home audio installations, even in fairly
expensive ones. Some speakers use a metal rough-in plate that is attached to
the studs to backup the attachment points. I don't believe (IMHO) that there
is any audible difference. The advantage, if any is a better structural
attachment of the driver to the mounting surface. Most of the speakers
specifically marketed for the purpose of wall or ceiling installation are
designed as an infinite baffle installation. In other words as long as the
speaker cone has sufficient rigidity, is not an acoustic suspension design,
there is [normally] no need to seal the back of the surface to which the
speaker is mounted. Most of round speakers have L shaped pieces that rotate
allowing the speaker to be installed from the front. This works perfectly
fine in the vast majority of cases.

These installations can sound quite good without spending large amounts of
money. Special retrofit of the drywall isn't necessary in most cases. It
certainly isn't necessary where a little more sound over there is desired. I
really do agree with both wkearney and LeeMoretti though their arguments
seem contridictory. Some say Bose is crap, more say it is overpriced. I don't
think it sounds bad given how hard they try to get high WAF (Wife Acceptance
Factor). Until people have heard really good audio they don't realize what
they have been missing. Then again there are those with a tin ear. Mr.
wkearney was making the point (I believe) that many no name drivers can be
marketed under a different name and be similar or identical to then name
brand. Regardless of this a decent driver with a good sized magnet can be
good enough to satisfy a given need without going overboard for a person
with modest expectations and limited pocketbook. And fellahs, there are some
and who are we to say they are wrong that think the large sums of money some
audio enthusiasts are willing to spend is just plain silly.

"noctilux" wrote in message
ups.com...
Yes, I'd say you'll get a substantial kick out of mounting them as
rigidly as possible to some structure - esp. making sure they have as
rigid and massive a baffle as possible - if you HAVE TO use drywall -
well, that sucks. But consider it.

Check out madisound.com for really nice drivers for the purpose (they
have kits for this) at a great price.

Jonathan