Surge protectors--how many $ make sense?


My power went out during the LA fires. A power spike blew my preamp's fuse even though it was plugged into an ancient Monster transformer surge protector. So, I need to buy something to plug my gear into. The prices, however, range from a few hundred dollars to many thousands of dollars. Surge protectors have never been at the top of my list of equipment to buy, but I think it's time.

I have a fairly expensive system, about $75K, consisting of VPI Prime Signature turntable, ARC PH-7 phono preamp, McCormack CD (universal disc), Pass XP 30 preamp, Moon streamer, and Hovland Radia amp. New equipment mixed in with old, but all very good stuff. I've never compared surge protectors. So, how little can I spend on a surge protector without disrespecting my previous investment? 

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Some years ago, a lightning strike got in via my dog's "invisible fence".  No protection anywhere. Blew fence's transformer off wall and just past my head.  Distroyed my PC's motherboard and something in my Bryston amp. 

Sent still under 20 yr warranty amp to Bryston but forgot to tell them what happened. The tech called, and asked. I mentioned the ligthning strike and he said "we don't usually warrant lightning strikes" . . . pause . . .  "but this time we'll fix it".  

Been a Bryston fan boy ever since...and have whole house and point of use protection stuff everywhere.

I have been using a Panamax MR5100 Protector and 10 yrs of service have seen it few times shut off and reboot with our electric shut down and reboot.. Never had a lighting strike but close few times....But something is better than nothing  I am sure...I have it on dark and when something happens it lights up and shows the voltage....I think at times of replacing but never had a hard hit on it..

I thought I'd try a power conditioner with surge protection this time. I keep reading and hearing from audiophiles how much good power condtioners make a difference in the sound. Mine arrives mid next week. I'll report back. My dealer (grain of salt) tells me there will be no question how much better the Sonus Faber Olympica Nova 5s he sold me will sound. It will not be a sublte thing, he says. We shall see.

Power conditioners and surge protection seem to get mixed up.

Correct me if I’m wrong, but:

My understanding of effective surge protection for audio devices- not kitchen appliances- is that a surge protector has to have a CLAMPING VOLTAGE (threshold where current is interrupted) less than 200 volts.

According to the dealer who sold me an Environmental Potentials whole home surge protector, the lowest CLAMPING VOLTAGE  achieved by whole home surge protectors is around 400 volts. This may protect a fridge compressor motor but not audio electronics (or even any smart components on a fridge or stove)

….and how many power conditioners have surge protection from a voltage spike over 200 volts?

How many power conditioners or surge protectors can protect audio components from a SAG in voltage/ brownout?

I lived in the lightning capitol (Orlando) of the US (over 20 years). I installed a whole house surge protector and as a cherry on top added a Brickwall surge protector (Zero Surge will also do).

If your building takes a direct strike NOTHING will protect your equipment, of course.

Good luck & Happy Listening,

DeeCee