The Guy at Tweeter insisted that I buy a $250 Panamax power conditioner, which sits like a component in my audio rack and allows me to plug in all my components, etc.

I just got a new plasma, and he said that the power conditioner was a necessity. While it does get rid of my ground loop all on its own, so did the $4 radio shack part I bought some time ago.

What is the general consensus on these things? Is a regular old power strip all that is needed, or should I keep the Panamax?

All opinions, of course, welcome.