don't do the iPod/Wadia, simplify. Get an Apple TV (my suggestion) or a Squeezebox, with the excellent PS Audio Digital Link III.
I have a terrible power situation in a new developement in Houston. I have lost the computer part of a $3500 professional oven 3 times due to surges and strikes, but never had a problem with the AV stuff. I used Monster at first, moved up to Richard Gray, and now I have major overkill: PS Audio Solist wall outlet, a PS Audio Duet for the power amps only, and an APC S15 for all of the rest of the equipment. The APC is amazing, I had everything going through that but when I switched to Cary 500 monoblocks, the APC would run out of power at high volumes, they just pull a ton of power.
PS Audio stuff should kill any lightning strikes, check out their website.
Good luck, sounds like fun.