Power Conditioners

Stabilizing your VAC is very important. If it's all over as you said. I can't think of anything more important for expensive equipment. It will shorten the life there is no doubt. Whether it sounds better depends on what your filtering out, and letting in so to speak... Different outlets on many maintainers and cleaners do different things. If you plug into the wrong one, it can impair the performance of a given piece.

Normally to filter HF, 40KHz> they use iron ferrite rings. Some complain that while using those rings, some systems lack luster, lose dynamics and brilliance.  I've noticed any source I use sounds better when NOT having ferrite rings in the VAC pathway.. I try to stay out of trouble, not get out of it.

No voltage cleaner and maintainer is a sure way to ruin great equipment. Whether it improves SQ, is just a secondary benefit, longevity it their primary function. I can't see how your SQ wouldn't improve if your just plugged into the wall currently.

My SQ was improved 35 years ago, I never thought of NOT using a cleaner/maintainer. Even my plate amps amps have them.
NOT surge suppressors, maintainers/cleaners and suppressors.

They don't have to cost a fortune to do a great job.. Just might have to do a couple thing to make them quieter, or pay a fortune for someone else to do it for you.. Either, Or.. as long as you have something...

Regards

the OP doesn't mention if he has dedicated outlets for the system.   if he doesn't have those, he should consider that first before doing the pc that he is looking at.

I bought a Furman for work where I have a couple of 300b mono blocks, ampex preamp, Fairchild 412 turntable and omega speakers. It made such a difference I bought two more for my systems at home where it made no difference. 

+1 Furman

Hi ecrotty
Your question is a very sensitive one and if you play your cards right you can be ahead of the game. I happen to have the Furman that you are considering. I also have a Zerosurge ten outlet power surge protector and a Synergistic Research Powercell 12 UEF SE. The best use of your money at this point of time would be to get an electrician run a dedicated line for you with 10 gauge wire  and 20 amp fuse terminated in a good hospital grade outlet. From there you can start testing different power solutions and pick the one that works best for your system.  While you have the electrician, have him install a whole house surge protector for you. Get one on Amazon for less than $200. It takes about 15 minutes to install. The whole job can be done in an hour (dedicated line plus surge).  I hope that helps.