generally is 20 amps enought to power my SVS sub, 200watt amp along with cable box, projector, and PS3?

is it better use a panamax surge protector at the rack, or is there something i can install directly at the main fuse box to protect my equipment?


and onw last question, for whole room light dimming which lutron products should i be looking at?

Rough math

SVS - which model? 500-1500 watts peak
200 watt amp - ~300 watts peak
cable box - ~ 50w
projector - which? 300-700 watts depending
PS3 - 200 watts+ peak

Amps may use a lot on peaks but they get that from their capacitors which store power until needed. So it's possible to have more than 2400 watts on a 20 amp circuit. I would say you'll be fine with the gear listed. 2 15 amp circuits would be plenty for everything with room to grow.

There are at-the-panel surge solutions. Any decent (cheap) surge protecter will work fine at the outlet end. Check the joules rating so you don't buy a glorified extension cable.

For lighting you can start cheap with the Spacer products, they are about $40 for each remote control light switch. A great value considering most ordinary dimmers are $10-20 without remote control. Also, the Lutrons don't seem to buzz like plain dimmers. The Lutron Graphic Eye are much more capable but nearly 10x the price and more complex to setup.