I've just inserted a 562V in my system to act as a digital input mux to my DAC (then connected balanced to G02/G57/Kef Reference 201's).

However, on first listening the sound doesn't appear so clear, or the base so tight.

Assuming that it really doesn't sound so good there appear to be four options:

1) The cheapy digital cable I'm using to connect my source to the 562V is making it worse. (Answer borrow high-end cable from hi-fi shop to find out if it makes any difference.)

2) The 562V is introducing more jitter than my source, and this is making the sound worse. (Not sure how to fix this without spending $$ on re-clocking.)

3) The 562V is doing something to the digits other than straight muxing. (No idea how to prove this.)

4) It doesn't sound worse, my brain is just making me think it does. (Answer get a ptient audiophile friend, not wife, to help with some blind testing.)

Does anyone have any idea on point 3 in particular?