Hubbell hospital grade outlets w/ surge protection

I've not found simple MOV-based surge and spike protection to affect current draw with my system. Some power cords do offer basic spike and surge protection (MIT and Tice come to mind) and I tend to use these straight into a P&S hospital grade outlet with power amps. I have noticed restrictions in dynamics with larger power amps where transformer-based conditioners were used. I'm a little leery about sticking MOVs and other sacrificals in the walls.

It could (it might, or more likely might not). Properly engineered line conditioning will not limit dynamics, and the system will most likely sound better then without conditioning, but the only way to determine that is to try a good unit such as a Shunyata Hydra or Chang Lightspeed with your rig to find out for sure. Of course you should also have a dedicated AC line and quality AC cord(s) to complete the lineup. While an AC outlet containing an MOV protector will provide some level of transient protection, it most likely will not protect as well as the larger transient snubbers inside the Chang's etc. but is still certainly better than nothing at all. Also note that these snubbers are not adequate for primary protection, but serve well as a 2nd stage of protection downline from a whole-house primary arrestor located at the home's power panel enterance.

Go to gcaudio.com and read about the new First Impression Music outlet - sells for 60-65 a piece. I do not remember if the surge protection is there. Contact Galen Carol and he may know the answers to your Q"S.