I have not listened to ethernet vs. usb myself, but I have two local dealerships that I like, and both don't like usb connection. My own system, Naim 555 server and uniti/core ripper and storage, is ethernet connected.
The Naim has the server and DAC in one box, but they do go to extremes when it comes to internal isolation. First, there is a separate power supply box which has multiple power feeds coming from the box to isolate the feed to the various functions in the server/DAC. The DAC is isolated from the rest of the server by being in a faraday cage; to enter the cage, the digital signal is converted to an optical signal.
The Naim has the server and DAC in one box, but they do go to extremes when it comes to internal isolation. First, there is a separate power supply box which has multiple power feeds coming from the box to isolate the feed to the various functions in the server/DAC. The DAC is isolated from the rest of the server by being in a faraday cage; to enter the cage, the digital signal is converted to an optical signal.