power conditioner/power cable


Im fairly new to the hifi world but im confused about something.My local hifi dealer advised me not to use a power conditioner/surge protector unit(monster,panamax,etc)to plug my gear into,instead to just use a power strip. is this correct??One other question i have-if one does use on of the previous mentioned devices is it beneficial to upgrade the stock power cables??Any help would be appreciated,thank you.
cwby8115
I use a Furman REF20i for all my analog stuff including my Bryston 4B-SST2 amp.
I use my PS Audio P600 for the digital stuff.
My power conditioners use aftermarket powercords.
The Furman uses a Pangea AC9SE and sounds better for it. The PS-Audio sounds best with just the regular Pangea AC9.
Opinions are free, and not worth too much except as general guidelines. To know what really is best for one's system, you have to experiment for yourself.
Somebody elses theory is worth squat compared to hearing it for yourself.
Cwby8115,

what are the other components in your system?
where are you located?
I agree with the above comments and will add that I recently bought a Blue Circle Thingee (its a power condition) and Shunyata's Venom 3 cord, and it does the job with great results.
++ 1 on the Venom 3 for the biggest bang for buck. A used Shunyata Hydra conditioner for my front end was one of the best audio decisions I ever made once I had the speakers I wanted.
Jafant-i have 2 nad c272 power amps,arcam avp 700 for my pre and a cambridge audio azur 651 cd player.