Nsgarch...I too went to MIT, but was more interested in women than calculus. Tech Hi Fi in the warehouse also, Graduated elsewhere; Pratt Institute of which, as an architect you are probably aware.
As to acoustic isolation, my expertese is that I actally did a room with the foam insulation sandwiched between sheet rock. I did it for thermal insulation, but was astonished by the acoustic isolation result.
Stagered studs have pros and cons. It minimizes direct transmission through the wall, but, with sheetrock on only one side of the studs the walls are not very stiff.
As to acoustic isolation, my expertese is that I actally did a room with the foam insulation sandwiched between sheet rock. I did it for thermal insulation, but was astonished by the acoustic isolation result.
Stagered studs have pros and cons. It minimizes direct transmission through the wall, but, with sheetrock on only one side of the studs the walls are not very stiff.