the easiest way to check is to replace the tile with drywall- cut the drywall the same size as the ceiling tiles. drop ceilings will support this. there are actually ceiling tiles made out of drywall and vinal covering, which is significantly heavier than plain sheetrock. I have many times used grid ceilings as the framing for a sheetrock ceiling, the grid ceiling holds more than it would seem to most poeple, and these all meet code. being an audiophile, you would want to experiment before you go to the expence of buying vinal rapped tiles or finishing a ceilng, and besides you might not mind the plain sheetrock. if it is feasable, you might experiment with removing the tile altogether.
