I do not disagree about plugging power amps directly into the wall outlet unless you need surge protection because of your location and/or house wiring. In fact, I didn't use any protection (AC, that is) until I had a lightning hit that took out a pump. Consequently, it seemed prudent to take action but not to limit current and I added a whole-house protection device at my breaker box.
As for MOVs, they can be implemented correctly or poorly, as with most things and cheap power strips are easy targets. Unfortunately, it is too easy to be doctrinaire about these issues.
Also, the fact that Charles Hanson hasn't had an amp back for lightning damage is not statistically interpretable since there are other factors, such as insurance coverage, involved. Bryston, too, recommends a direct wall plug in. No built-in surge protector nor, in fact, any power strip, MOV or not, will protect against a proximate lightning strike. That's insurance territory.
Kal
As for MOVs, they can be implemented correctly or poorly, as with most things and cheap power strips are easy targets. Unfortunately, it is too easy to be doctrinaire about these issues.
Also, the fact that Charles Hanson hasn't had an amp back for lightning damage is not statistically interpretable since there are other factors, such as insurance coverage, involved. Bryston, too, recommends a direct wall plug in. No built-in surge protector nor, in fact, any power strip, MOV or not, will protect against a proximate lightning strike. That's insurance territory.
Kal