Nucleus, is there a better alternative?

A nucliusis Thst that great too begins with , little green computer is much better with a LPS, and going fiber optic can help ,the key don’t buy cheap modules but better brands , uptone audio makes their ether regen thsts takes fiber optic just make sure use use single or multi mode transceiver on both ends same match 

top transceivers around $80 each don’t get the $20 lasers NG 

O and no cheap Ethernet to fiber convertersl8ke the $30 specials too noisy 

This video explains the advantages of fiber optics at the 6:40 mark.  This guy understands digital really well.

Certainly the Nucleus can be beaten, many custom builds will have faster processors, superior RAM than off the shelf items. NUC's can be pretty off the shelf or more diy. Actually, my preferred choice for bang for buck is diy custom build. In very near future will be auditioning Taiko Extreme clone build, major attention to detail with every single part and total design.

Is the optical connection better than ethernet and will eliminate noise? 
I like the converter option and wonder what converters, ie. Fmc, are better. They seem pretty cheap.

I did notice that fmc require a power connection so this means more noise and hopefully this doesn't create a problem, but then again noise is not relevant once the signal hits the optical path.

I’m in a similar boat, had to stop short of completing my digital chain in the last few months but am in need of a server. I’m currently playing files: Macbook (w/ external drive) > Airplay > Airport Express > Mini Toslink > Bricasti M1se w/ network card … I want to run a server to the dac over ethernet, was thinking about getting a Nucleus to throw my files on (about 5tb) and I also use Tidal/Spotify … but on the fence between that and NAS … K41 seems to get a lot of accolades?