Hi zzrider - that ACT 4 is so new that I don't think anyone here has direct experience with it. I was also asked about this processor by a friend and I could not comment on it. There aren't any "internal pics" on the net to show us how Acurus has architected the electronics. It's so difficult to say what your problem is. I would suggest:
1. Let the unit run for 100-200 hours (maybe 8 days straight) to burn in all the electronics and electrolytic capacitors. You are likely to get a significant change in sound quality - usually an improvement. Then make a decision.
2. Think about what it is that you don't like about the sound. Is it a bright/sterile character that you don't like? Or is it a lack of bass or certain frequencies? Maybe you can learn more about the parametric EQ in the unit so that you can tune certain frequencies.
Give it some time and try to work with the unit. I found that sometimes I have had to sit with something for a couple weeks before I decided on whether it was good or not.