PC for LUMIN X1 ! .... Shunyata? Nordost? Synergistic Research? AQ?

Transparent
Cardas
WireWorld

I normally go to The Absolute Sound and Stereophile annual component ratings issue to choose my starting point. If they have a top rated one for some ridiculous amount of money that is highly rated, it is OK. Seek reviews of the same brand in your price range, or just try one in your price range. Also, well established brands have a house sound. If you like the sound at one level you are going to get the same sound moving up or down the product line.

I personally have found Nordost a bit thin in models below extremely expensive. Their top of the line stuff is great.
WireWorld, Transparent, and Audio Quest are the largest selling brands. For some reason Audio Quest has never done anything for me.

It gets tricky. With high end equipment it is even more important to make good choices. One question to think about is when are you going to upgrade to those other components? If it is five or ten years, then I would not think about them. I always try to reach a plateau and stay there for a while… 5 - 10 years. If you swap out a couple components the best solution is likely to change. Personally I am hesitant to compromise now for an uncertain future. My choice of components has changed over time as I learn and my musical taste change (mature I think).

I would find a way to audition on an extended basis at least three high end brands. Cable company or dealer. If you have three choices then you can get a feel for how big differences are likely to be and calibrate what you hear to the professional reviews. Of the three brands, you might actually choose a forth brand based on reviews.

I found that the brand (and level) of PC to have a similar effect as their interconnects and cables. The differences in detail and tonal balance were pretty apparent on the low power digital side. 


I have recently gone through comparisons of Transparent and Cardas power cords (some others also, but they got eliminated quickly). Because each have their strengths in my system I have been swapping one in for a week and out for a week. On the digital side the Transparent won quickly (same as my interconnects). It has been my amp that I have been waffling on. I have decided to put in another direct line with 10 gauge to my amp and then retest. I may spring for a better cord… going from the $1-2K range to the $3-4K. The difference on my power amp is subtle but important.