Looking to order W3 speakers, but I have questions about the installation:

What is the technical reason for the requirement that the cutout of the W3 speaker be at least 1.5 inches from a wall stud?

I have a gas pipe in between two studs, and this complicates things for me. I have about 6.25" of space between the pipe and a stud. The pipe is recessed about 1" deep in the wall. Can I make the cutout almost right next to the pipe? This would allow the W3 to clear 1.5" to the stud on the other side. Correct?

Thanks...

Good question, maybe someone at Axiom could help.

I thought it was a good question too!

I just called and spoke to a nice gentleman who answered all my questions....thanks Brent!

The mount needs 1.5" laterally from the cutout, so that is why there needs to be 1.5" to the studs.

And it looks like I will have enough clearance to fit a W3 in the space I have. The cutout will be made very close (1/4" or so) to the pipe, which will leave enough room on the other side to clear the stud. I have 1/2" drywall, so the mount will only be approx. 1" deep from screw entry point to exit point. So that will leave about a 1/2" to the depth of the pipe. The screws are 2" long, so I will need to find shorter screws. But that is all I will need to make the W3 work for me!

Can't wait to see the pics. Axiom also has a video of the installation process on the w22 product page...