hickamore, It's the wire, conducting electrical noise from computer or router/network to the DAC. Even optical isolation in Ethernet network has few picofarads across - enough to inject some high frequency noise. I would limit number of necessary wires (power wires for USB are not necessary if DAC is self powered) and use shielded cables to reduce pickup of ambient electrical noise. I would also avoid placing network wires next to power wires.
I'm not saying one method of delivery is better than another. I use wireless, because I couldn't route Ethernet cable across the room. I had a lot dropouts, until I switched to 5GHz band.
I'm not saying one method of delivery is better than another. I use wireless, because I couldn't route Ethernet cable across the room. I had a lot dropouts, until I switched to 5GHz band.