Least Expensive Power Conditioner/Surge Protector That Won't Worsen Sound

@analogj, I appreciate the question. To give you a short answer there isn’t anything or difference that you’re going to be able to hear because a good power cord and conditioner doesn’t add anything. All it does is take away RFI and EMI that will hinder your ability to enjoy recorded music. Here’s a link to a short YouTube video where Garth Powell explains the necessity of having a good power cable. Just search Garth Powell AudioQuest and he’s got several very in-depth and detailed videos where he explains much better than I can the science behind how he designs power conditioners and cables for AudioQuest. 

@adasdad So what you/he are suggesting that only the power cord affects the sound quality? I can absolutely attest to that power cords can vastly improve the sound of a piece of equipment. But is the grayness of the tonal color I'm hearing using the Panamax only related to the power cord I'm using? I'm unable to use the Panamax with the Shunyata Python Alpha cord I use with the Hydra. The receptacle in the back of the PM is too small for the Python Alpha cord.

it probably makes sense to try (take for a couple of days) something from Furman products ... or find a studio isolation transformer

I'm learning.

I realize that the Python Alpha power cord I've been using with the Hydra 6 has a c19 female connector. Other than Shunyata, what other brands of power conditioners use that style of connector so I can use the Shunyata cord, if needed be?

I use a Furman power strip RF / voltage limiter with a Tripplight isolation transformer / voltage regulating power filter.  When compensating for low or high voltage gas never affected the sound.