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


I was ready to purchase a Shunyata Alpha V2 PC from my new streamer/dac but after reading a few things I held off.

Now im utterly confused. Way too many options and not enough info comparing. My upper limit for this source component is $2k, but I don't mind buying a used cable either

ultimately this will be going into a gryphon diablo 300 into kef blades 2 if listing the chain helps
questforhifi
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.

This is false. Who at Shunyata did you speak with?

I was interested in the Everest power conditioner, but even Shunyata don’t recommend to plug the amp into it directly. 
@questionforhifi I can relate to your power cord confusion. There are many good choices for power cords. That is good. But also a problem to navigate through all the choices. I think it comes down to the basics. Thicker gauge is good. Highest quality conductors and terminations is good. Quality insulation is good. Start with those minimum requirements. I have Shunyata Deltas and AQ Tornados. But I do have one Pangea Audio AC-9SE MkII Power Cable with Cardas Copper. It has good conductors and about one of the thickest gauges I have seen. SQ on my Raven Blackhawk Mk3.1 where I have given it a workout was just as good as my other cables at a fraction of the price. How’s your hearing? How’s your room? How’s the rest of your system? Will you hear a difference between high end cables? One could argue to start with that cable and go from there up the ladder if you want. 
If you like particular brands characteristics, why not trying certain combinations with other sections in your system? The results can be very impressive. All my sources are powered by Nordost Valhallas in my systems (D1, DAC and X1) because of the life they provide to the music.. However, my amplifiers are powered by Sigma HC and Sigma V2 for their better bass control and accuracy at the top end - No more fatigue. In short, two very different brand can complements each other.