@erik_squires , +1,
The whole house surge protector does nothing until it senses a power surge.
When it trips, it will sacrifice itself, and in turn protect your equipment downstream.
Adding additional surge protection near sensitive equipment will enhance this effect.
-And, considering that high current equipment, like amplifiers, are often negatively affected by surge protectors/power regulators, it makes sense to employ a whole house surge protector at the mains as it will give you some peace of mind should the worst happen.
Bob