power cords/surge protector-conditioner

I have used various upgraded power cords with the HTS2000 and the difference that each type of power cord made was easy to hear. The trick is finding cords that you like the sound of in your system. I would try one on the CD player to start to see if it makes a difference (and hopefully an improvement) to you.

I run everthing through the HTS2000, including my amps. Some people, though, find that they prefer the sound of amps run directly from the wall (without conditioning), but then they are left without surge protection (which is a risky propostion where I live in LA). I have been experimenting with using two HTS2000's in series (one plugged into the other). The amp plugged into the first unit and the digital gear running from the second one. Due to the HTS2000 having three different filtering levels (depending on which outlets are used) there are quite a few possibilities/combinations to try out. The digital outlets have more, preamp/receiver outlets moderate and the amp outlets the least filtering. Also since I have two HTS2000's I am considering upgrading (hardwiring) the power cord on one of them to see if this will change/improve the sound and if it does then maybe installing a male IEC plug to one of the units as well (which would make it easier to try different cords). Why modify a $125.00 power conditioner? Because I am curious and cheap.

Liguy: Do you mean, using one (not in series) for the DAC and player and the other for the amp? If so, yes, it will be very easy to try. Thanks.

Is there any type of reasonably priced surge protector, that does not mess with the sound? There was talk of the Vans Ever (sp) in another thread, but I do not recall a follow up on it. I live in CA and cannot (would prefer not to) run direct to the wall without surge protection. I have tried the cheaper models, designed for audio, from RS, etc. and they all sound etched (not good at all).

Thanks Will: Both sites mentioned are new to me.