For you audio experts. I am putting in rear surround speakers in the walls between the studs. It is an inside wall with no insulation just dead air space. Should I block off the wall cavity above and below the speakers with something or just put the speakers in as is? The speakers are not in any type of box. Rear of the speakers are exposed.

As always, thanks for your help.

yes box it in so all sound doesnt get absorbed into the wall. even the back of it. if no room to other side use a piece of metal instead of wood.

I'd build boxes in the wall cavity to keep from losing sound into the empty space... Could be as simple as jsut adding 2x4s above and below but you might consider making the 'speaker' area smaller than 24" wide...

Avsforum.com is my main source for home theater info. The forums there are active and current. Check out this link for some in wall speaker enclosures.
http://archive2.avsforum.com/avs-vb/archive/index.php/t-463497.html

yeah, avsforums is an excellent resource.

if you haven't bought the speakers yet, don't do it. I personally don't like in wall speakers. If you like great sound stick with enclosure ordinary speakers. Those designers really spend lot of time design, test and configure them to make sure the speakers produce great clear sound. I did have four great in wall speakers, but now let them sit (still) inwall cause I don't want to cover the 4 holes again. They are brand name and quite expensive. Paradigm is the name. Try VMPS audio, they have lot and lot of great reviews, and Brian Cheney now have few models on 30th aniversary specials.

I agree with BigBlock69Camaro. My surround sound speakers are wall mounted with adjustable brackets. If you mount them in the wall and then some day you decide to change the room around you wont be happy.

It took me a while to get my speakers at the correct angle and the delay sound setting so you will get that surround feeling. Placing them in the walls will not give you the ability to adjust them. My .02

I agree speakers in the wall might limit you at some point. I currently have a theather system (TEAC) I am happy with it. I am looking at another system for the weekend home and am interested in this one only 3 speakers and it seems easy to move around might be something to consider if you didn't purchase anything already; A little pricey but it might be worth it... as you know, Bose makes quality stuff
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=bose+321+system&x=10&y=20

I agree also...the air space for a speaker has to be just right. You will never get good sound by just guessing at it. Stick with the enclosed speakers.

Thanks for the replies guys. I already have the speakers and holes are cut in the wall. I'm not a super audiophile but do like the "fill in" of the rear surround speakers. I think I'll block off most of the inside wall space. The speakers will not be producing much low end so I think it will be sufficient for me. My AV receiver has an automatic speaker set-up feature that I will run and see how it works.

Use insulation to create a "box". They will sound fine.

I just installed 8" JBL speakers in my ceiling for my rear channel and used 6" thick insulation behind them. My ceiling is 12ft tall and they sound great. I have a Marantz SR18 reciever that puts out 140 watts x 5