UPS or surge protector/power conditioner? And if UPS, recommendations please under 1K

Of course, I’m assuming the OP doesn’t actually need his stereo to work during a power outage! :)

Usually when I read about UPS for audio gear users want to recreate something like a PS Audio power plant on the cheap by finding a "line interactive" sine wave output UPS. In those cases I think they should stick to Furman and "normal" voltage regulators. In part due to the AC line noise they generate, in part because from what I’ve read, true sine wave UPS systems tend to have lower reliability than their square wave brethren. Honestly you usually get cleaner power out of the wall.

If you actually need to keep your HT system going to make sure it doesn’t shut off your movie that’s another story.

My work PC, my router/Internet hardware are all on APC UPS units. That’s what I need to keep going even when the power is out. I just got a beer fridge for the gaming PC, I should probably consider putting that on a UPS too.

When the power gets glitchy (and it does!) I trust my Furman protections to shut off the power to my gear until things stabilize. If I want to ignore blackouts I should probably get a generator.

I should have also mentioned that I have a whole house surge protector as well...And the funny thing is we never lose power here!

That’s great. Please keep in mind that the whole house vendors, along with the NEC recommend a whole house protector for things which cannot be disconnected. GFCI outlets, fire alarms, home automation and the silicon circuits in modern washers and dryers. They still universally recommend point of use protection for sensitive electronics, meaning your TV, computers and audio gear.

I lost a laptop during a thunderstorm. Whole house suppressor but charger was in a random outlet. Bam. Only piece of gear damaged that night. Everything else I have Furman or Tripp-Lite on.

Also, Furman with SMP has advanced protection for brown-outs and white-outs.  Long times when you dont' have a surge but the voltage is not within spec.  The Furman will disconnect until the voltage comes back to normal.  Some Furmans require a reset, some will automatically restore power, but you get the idea. 

PS - Furman makes all in one units with all the features of the Elite plus voltage regulation, or you can get a unit like this one to put before your Elite.  I use this to keep wall warts for streamers and Ethernet switches on a separate clean circuit vs. my analog side:

The Furman is the way to go.  Excellent noise reduction, and surge protection.

Most UPS units generate a great deal of AC line noise, not to mention don't have the surge protection Furman has.

The one area where you might want an upgrade is in voltage regulation.  I use a Furman voltage regulator in front of my Furman Elite.  It keeps the voltage constantly within a 7V range. 

If you are worried about your voltage sagging, get a meter like this one and keep an eye on it during the day and as you play music:

Also, pay attention to the N-E voltage, which should be 2V or less.  If it rises during playing you may need an electrician.