If several people hear the same effect ..individual hearing differences can possibly be discounted. More interesting is what people listen for rather than how [well for me anyway].

A simple test that nearly everyone can do pinkfloyds dsotm track 3 has the alarm clocks .....does this make you jump even if you know the first chime is coming ?   

I use this test on equipment and cables if that first chime is smeared, so no sudden start, then theres obviously something not right. 

try a freebie cable  against say a qed quinex   then use a good cable ......if your having problems hearing a difference then you have resolution issues elsewhere.