Cheapest way to enhance SQ with digital streaming

@car123 Try lps on second fmc, this should be worthwhile improvement. Don't need to spend a lot of money on this, Teradak or something similar fine.Not surprised didn't hear much difference with fmc in front of server. Adding switch and fmc after Aurrender would make more difference. But then this requires adding usb renderer.

If one wants to both reduce clutter and optimize sound quality, two ways to go. FMC after server, this requires two computer setup, aka separate server and streamer, both optical enabled. The second is one computer setup, optimized usb out of server. With optimized usb out of server, add on filters shouldn't be needed.  This assuming one using usb dac.

As described, this is a simple and inexpensive solution for connecting an audio server to a home network that offers the benefit of immunity to RFI/EMI (except at the converters).  My run is 45 feet long and I am using this fiber into two of these converters.  In my system, I have a hard time discerning a difference between the optical solution and 45 feet of CAT8, but every system is different with different levels of quality and design on the inputs/outputs, connectors, power/grounding, and other factors.  This may not be as much of an improvement for me since my system does not seem to have noticeable noise to begin with.  As some have pointed out, the addition of two converters and two power supplies may have an effect on one's system. I am using LPS to power the converters. I am glad the fiber is working out for your system.  What you described is an example of how to accomplish something without spending big "audiophile" money.

I recently added the Network Acoustics ENO Ag Ethernet filter and their 1M cable.  That filter will not work with the 1000Mbs MC200CM converters so I had to purchase 100 Base converters in order to use the fiber with the ENO.  Also, make sure the fiber cable you purchase matches the converters since there are a couple of different types of cable and I believe I had to switch when I purchased the MC100 converters..  I typically do not like small boxes cluttering up my signal chain, but the ENO is seeming to improve the sound from the incoming Ethernet, although for quite a bit more money.  I am also using a switch after the second fiber converter and before the ENO, with very short CAT8 cables between.

I'll add if your intention is best sound quality, perhaps more clutter provides better sq. Simpler may be betterr, or it may not. I see so many positive reviews on so many setups, if someone has proof of the definitive best setup I'd like to hear it. I'm all for experimentation and reporting results, adds to knowledge base.

Thinking about running these fiber optic cables between rooms, requires cutting holes in walls or floors.  The fiber optic cables have largish terminations because of the clips that hold the two cables into place.  Does anybody know whether one can disassemble the cables from the clips, run them through smaller holes, and then reassemble onto the clips?

@car123 sorry to hear you didn’t get improved results as others have.  It made a noticeable difference for me.  It might be your Aurender cleans up the signal prior to sending it on to the DAC where my MacBook Pro doesn’t and needs the assistance.  Don’t know the electronics science just a guess. I plan to add LPS to the FCC’s in the near future as well to see if any more gain can be enjoyed.