What should I plug my system into?

You were better off when you had no idea they existed. A good surge protector is good insurance. APC is a quality brand. As for the other stuff, if you want to spend the money and you think you can hear the difference, go for it. If you'd rather not spend the money, just keeping repeating, "Snake oil. Snake oil."

I have a high quality system capable of high resolution and have tried many different power strips including the $5-10. variety-- they generally sound terrible. If you must use a power strip for its many outlets, look for a good one, ie I now use a Monster HTS 1000 ($100.) for accessories, and short term have used it for components. It does not seem to color or degrade music quality/character.

That said, I use Synergistic Research Master Couplers (power cords) plugged into Hubbell Audio grade outlets that are the end of my dedicated AC system. All of this promotes a very low noise floor, quickness, deep tight bass, a pristine mid-range and smooth grain-free treble. You probably need a high quality system to take advantage of cleaned up AC system though. But it ALL contributes to final sound quality. Take it one step at a time, and listen, listen, listen. Good Luck, and Cheers. Craig

Bomarc; Where do you get this "snake oil I keep hearing about? I assume it's a stereo "tweak" of some kind;>). Is it expensive enough to be suitable for audiophiles? Actually, in my youth, some friends and I ate a rattlesnake and found it to be, smooth, and sweet with a delicate flavor-- no oil, or oily taste either. Audiophile food I think;>). Cheers. Craig

NAIM recommends something called the Wiremold power strip. There's an interesting piece about power conditioning etc. on their website. See http://www.naimusa.com/power.html.