A better way to stream

A streamer as endpoint would be applicable in case of Roon. Other software like Euphony Stylus can also benefit as well. Depending on streamer, many other functions may be available which also may be beneficial.

The other advantage as I stated previously is ability to bypass the contentious network switch. Another possible advantage is superior clocking that may be incorporated in renderer/endpoint/streamer (goes by many names and functions).

The greatest possible disadvantage of streamer only setups is likely usb out, usb can be much improved by the rendering provided by many of these outboard devices. I observe atx servers provide much better usb rendering within, usb boards like Pink Faun, Jcat. How much rendering are these off the shelf servers offering?

Perhaps Innuos amd some others playing marketing games stating this finding. Yes, many are finding FMC can be both high value proposition and/or most effective means to lower noise floor on network. Optical provides complete isolation from noise caused by upstream components. EMI/RFI both generated within and bombards network equipment and following on grounds is completely eliminated, filters only filter.

In the end, only listening will determine value of optical for any particular setup. Two generic FMC and optical cable can be tried for minimal cost. Optical conversion is easily most universally positively reviewed network component I'm aware of.

Say one has a Bluesound 2i. What are you suggesting to "try?"

If Node you're all in one unit, not much to do, you can even use wifi.

Something like NUC's with separate dac are next step up from Bluesound. At this point network optimizing can pay off. Basic setup will usually be server/streamer all in one package with usb out to dac, usb renderers are first optimization. The issue with most usb outs is they come directly out of motherboards, not ideal, reason why people find usb renderers effective.

Next people generally move to network optimization, which means fancy switches, filters. I'm just proposing another path for optimization, simplifying while employing optical conversion.

My proposal for  optical with shortest signal path would be optimized optical out on server to optical usb renderer/end point/streamer (whatever you want to call it) to dac. This is optimal isolation, read lowest noise floor, should be highest resolution streaming solution.

Since optical out servers are practically non-existent one has to do the fiber media converter dance,

Some people want to stream for convenience, others seeking highest possible sound quality. Many good choices for convenience, have to get into weeds to achieve highest sq.

My take is most off the shelf servers not for me, too little bang for buck, no two ethernet out (with exception of Antipodes, SMG), don't render usb internally and only the very highest end ones will do HQPlayer high level processing. One can do much better with diy atx build, possibly NUC build. 

Highest quality streaming dac can also be another top choice, forget the usb altogether, all you need is optical for the isolation. On some dacs I2S may also be best input, again don't have to worry about the usb stuff, optical is all you need add. Unfortunately, most dacs optimized for usb, rendering and optical both needed for best streaming quality..

I'd settle for a simpler way to stream which is easy to operate  and doesn't rely on a network or at least very little reliance upon it. If your idea will do that then I'm all for it. But it seems to add more complication rather than ease of use

Should have said 2i playing off a hard drive going to an external DAC 

How do you add your mystical optical to that?

Actual devices please.