@markalarsen I just compared your setup with mine. In your case Ethernet cable goes into all-in-one device which called DAC but it does it all including implementation of network protocols, packets assembly, buffering, playing D to A and so on... if parasitic noises cryp inside through the Ethernet cable - god knows where they can get into. In my case it all stays in the computer and pure (or purere) data stream goes over the optic cable to D to A. If media player on the computer doesn’t screw up the stream - it is all clear.
If computer screws up - you have nothing.
If computer screws up - you have nothing.