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I have some questions that maybe those more experienced on the forum can help me with. I'm looking to frame my theater with staggered stud walls, modifying the existing 2x4 stud wall. Sorry in advance if these questions have been answered, but everything I've come across on the forum describes staggering the studs by 1" by adding a ripped 1" toe plate onto the existing toe plate and then basically toe nailing the new/staggered studs into both the toe plate and top plate.
1) Although the studs are decoupled from the adjoining studs and wall, wouldn't this somewhat defeat the purpose of a staggered stud wall by allowing some coupling with the joists above and/or floor below, thereby allowing some flanking to occur? Is the STC rating for a staggered stud wall taking this flanking into account?
2) Could/should this be improved upon by adding brackets (e.g. RSIC-DC04 brackets) between the top of each new stud and the top plate?

3) Given that I'm also planning on floating a ceiling from a ledger board attached to the staggered studs, is the placement of isolation brackets atop each stud sufficient, not enough, or overkill to stabilize and support any load?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.
I have some questions that maybe those more experienced on the forum can help me with. I'm looking to frame my theater with staggered stud walls, modifying the existing 2x4 stud wall. Sorry in advance if these questions have been answered, but everything I've come across on the forum describes staggering the studs by 1" by adding a ripped 1" toe plate onto the existing toe plate and then basically toe nailing the new/staggered studs into both the toe plate and top plate.
1) Although the studs are decoupled from the adjoining studs and wall, wouldn't this somewhat defeat the purpose of a staggered stud wall by allowing some coupling with the joists above and/or floor below, thereby allowing some flanking to occur? Is the STC rating for a staggered stud wall taking this flanking into account?
2) Could/should this be improved upon by adding brackets (e.g. RSIC-DC04 brackets) between the top of each new stud and the top plate?
3) Given that I'm also planning on floating a ceiling from a ledger board attached to the staggered studs, is the placement of isolation brackets atop each stud sufficient, not enough, or overkill to stabilize and support any load?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.