I'd recommend saving your money for the AA Capitole. That's an excellent cd player, which can also be used as a preamp I believe. This is where I'd spend good money on a power cord. I've found that digital front ends seem to benefit the most from high end power cords.
I would have to agree that external power conditioners do not really help the sound. They do provide me with peace of mind surge protection though. FWIW, I've found the RSA Duke to have the smallest effect sonically on the amps, almost like running them straight into the wall. The Duke doesn't dull the transients like the PS Audio UOHC or the Shunyata Hydra 2. So while I'll agree that running them straight into the wall is the cheapest option, I've found the RSA Duke to provide the least amount of negative impact while providing peace of mind. As I do like to leave my M100's powered up 24/7, and I'm not always home.
I would have to agree that external power conditioners do not really help the sound. They do provide me with peace of mind surge protection though. FWIW, I've found the RSA Duke to have the smallest effect sonically on the amps, almost like running them straight into the wall. The Duke doesn't dull the transients like the PS Audio UOHC or the Shunyata Hydra 2. So while I'll agree that running them straight into the wall is the cheapest option, I've found the RSA Duke to provide the least amount of negative impact while providing peace of mind. As I do like to leave my M100's powered up 24/7, and I'm not always home.

