HIGH Quality Electric Service Panel

Making sure it is properly grounded is more important than anything else.  Don't ground it near the house ground.  Also, you can put a surge protector in the panel but keep in mind that it will only protect against big spikes.

I know someone who use to design high end music and theater rooms.  He would start with a high quality electric panel  I believe he liked Equi=Tech. 

The usual top two I know of are Siemens and Square D which has a couple of different lines.

I think Federated/Federal (can't remember the exact brand name) should be replaced when found. They were driven out of business for selling breakers that didn't break.

GE is very popular but I've read reliability issues with the breakers.