Auto_pilot,
I switched from a Tripp Lite HT10DBS surge protector to a Brick Wall surge protector. It did clean up some small amount of hum coming thru the system when a particular light was on.

But the real reason was for surge protection. I'm in the Texas area and we can get some good lighting storms. I wanted protection from the possible power surges.
I would not set up a system w/ out one.
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later,
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Outlaw 990/7125, Oppo, Xbox 360, Paradigm (L/R/C), Polk (S), M&K Sub w/ SMS-1, Samsung LED-DLP HDTV, Signal Cable, Brickwall