Conditioner vs. Surge protector

Unless you need whole-house surge protection, I’d go with one of the better conditioner/surge protectors (Audience, Core Power, Synergistic, Shunyata, etc.) because you get cleaner power that often provides meaningful sonic benefits along with surge protection.  I’ve got an Audience AR1p with a Wiremold 9-outlet power strip that takes care of all my needs and no MOVs that’ll self destruct if they’re ever needed to work.  The only thing I miss is that I can’t put my digital components on an isolated outlet that the larger conditioners offer, but for the low $$$ spent I’m ok with it.  Best of luck in whatever you decide. 

My 2 cents:

Buy and install a whole house surge protector first.

You can always add more protection down the line. 

This way all your electronics have a minimum of protection, not just your stereo.

B

Please be aware that as of 2020, the NEC requires a whole house surge protector.  They are relatively inexpensive and effective.

Here's a wholesale link to FS140 if you are going to have it professionally installed.

Not familiar with the company, but it was in the first 5 hits I got with a WWW search.

I live in the Los Angeles area and surge protect everything that needs it.

I second Mapman's recommendation for Siemens BoltShield.  I installed two of them since I had two free spaces on each side of Siemens Panel.  Total of 60kA x 2 = 120kA.  In addition I plan to add Siemens QSA2020SPD. (about $80) replacing two circuit breakers with one leading to audio system.  The reason for it is that protection element is always protected by circuit breaker.  When circuit breaker switches off during high voltage spike protection element won't protect anymore, but since audio system is connected thru the breaker it will be also discontinued.  It is only 10kA, but it adds important protection for audio system alone.