OK Gurus,

I have been enjoying my Aperion products for some time now (533VAC, S-10. 4-522L/R, 1-522C).  I have noticed at higher volumes i occasionally hear some crackling and popping through the speakers.  When i first hooked up my Charter (not so good) Scientific Atlanta 8300HD (OK) i had some odd problems.  The sound would cut out when flipping light switches on and off and with a certain switch on would stay off until that switch was turned off.  This happened when i used a coaxial audio out and went away when i switched to an optical out.  Makes me believe my power is ?????

Here is the question.  I started looking at affordable noise reducers and surge suppressors ($200 or less, i realize power conditioning is a whole new ball game and isn't available at this price point).  I had a hard time comparing them apples to apples and knowing what it all means.  Do these things work?  Are they a Home Theater necessity?  Do they do what they say?  Can anyone shed some light on this for me?

I know a certain blog that some really enjoy claims that everything is bunk and only a good surge suppressor is necessary.  Review of certain products on various sights vary from these are magic to i do not notice a difference.  What do you all think?

Thanks for your help!!

Jeff