I have not found a conditioner that doesn't soften transients or roll off the top of my 190 watt ss amp, although I certainly haven't tried em all. I plug it into the wall, but I share your concern about protecting it. And the rest of my system, notwithstanding that I have a PLC with surge suppression on the front end. It's all hooked up to the amp, so the spike will just go up the chain. I remember seeing something on one of the many dedicated line threads about putting a surge suppressor on the service into your house, which sounds like a great idea, but I've never followed up.
Surge/Power Conditioning For Amplifiers
I have read alot of conflicting opinions on this subject. Is it safe to plug my amp directly into the wall? (I have dedicated circuits with hospital grade outlets) I just invested a tidy sum on a new amplifier(Pass X-150),and if I can protect it without "choking" it,I certainly would. What do the experts think???? I appreciate all opinions.