IME, going direct is not a cake walk - it takes work to get right. This configuration is going to reveal flaws upstream. The simple choice of the power cable or interconnect you use on a component will become critical since any anomaly will become very evident and very annoying.
I'd try swapping out cables until I find a configuration that works. At the very least you are going to learn more about your system and the capabilities of your components.
I'd try swapping out cables until I find a configuration that works. At the very least you are going to learn more about your system and the capabilities of your components.