surge protector? conditioner? filter? have electrician place 12g dedicated line?.... aaaggghh!

I am trying to set up a system (first one and want to do it right) and have been getting totally mixed messages from everyone. SO, could someone please give me the straight dope? WHAT DO I NEED TO BUY?

1 - Surge protector? $50? $1000? Specific recommendations that work but dont break the budget?
2 - Electrician put in a 12g line to the audio outlet?
3 - Anything else?
4 - None of the above?

WISE advice GREATLY appreciated.