Check out this thread. I think my explanation of how to do it is in post #23. I definitely think this results in more clarity. Using the direct connection, with fiber optic isolation in between my Mac and the router is the best of both worlds, i.e. isolation from the switch noise and enhanced dynamics of the direct connection. You need to get a Lightning ethernet adapter, which are pretty cheap. I use the dedicated ethernet port to the DS and the adapter ethernet to the switch since the dedicated etherned connection is more robust.
http://www.psaudio.com/forum/directstream-all-about-it/bridge-ii-to-mac-mini-via-ethernet/
You can also check out cumputeraudiophile.com for the massive thread on this. This is more PC based stuff, but I got it to work with Mac. I believe I was the first to get it to work with the DS.
https://www.computeraudiophile.com/forums/topic/30376-a-novel-way-to-massively-improve-the-sq-of-the-sms-200-and-microrendu/
Hi Amgradmd,
I read the thread & it does sound interesting but so just so Iâm clearâŠIâd need to add a lightning ethernet adapter into the thunderbolt port on the back of my iMac. Something like this?
https://www.officeworks.com.au/shop/officeworks/p/apple-thunderbolt-to-gigabit-ethernet-adaptor-apthgigeth?cm_mmc=google--pla--Cable%20Adapters-_-APTHGIGETH&cm_mmca1=NULL&cm_mmca3=conversion&cm_mmca9=columbus&CAWELAID=620015440001108119&CAGPSPN=pla&CAAGID=34435309398&CATCI=pla-67778449422&catargetid=620015440002666550&cadevice=c&gclid=CNGip8Png9UCFRQFKgodzNsF-w
I would then remove the ethernet cable from my modem that connects to my DSJnr (via approx 15 mtrs of Cat 5 > 8 port 100mb switch > FMCâs x2 > ethernet > DSJnr & connect this to the thunderbolt ethernet adapter.
I then need to go into the various menuâs to set up the IP & Gateway etcâŠ
Does this sound about right?
Cheers
Matt
Thatâs the one. I think you got the gist! I accidentally called it a Lightning adapter - itâs a Thunderbolt adapter. My bad. Would love to hear your feedback on how it goes for you!
I applied this exact thing as well as the Fiber Isolation to my Mac Mini and DirectStream and it has all been working wonderfully for at least two weeks now. No need for a router and no problems at all. A very low cost upgrade to my system.
Iâm so glad this worked for you David! 
Thanks to all of the the devotion from you you folks on the website it has been easy to make significant improvements. Please keep up the good work and continue to share the knowledge! Now that my Ethernet is squared away, its time to modify the Mac Mini to âquietâ it down a bit.
David J said
Thanks to all of the the devotion from you you folks on the website it has been easy to make significant improvements. Please keep up the good work and continue to share the knowledge! Now that my Ethernet is squared away, its time to modify the Mac Mini to âquietâ it down a bit.
Hi David
Iâm planning to electrically isolate my DSjr from its network connection using a pair of FMCs and I, too, have a Mac Mini as my server. So Iâm curious. Do you mean acoustically quiet (fan or hard drive noise) or electrically quiet?
Peter
Peter, I am considering installation of the Mac Mini DC-Conversion/Linear Fan Controller Kit from UpTone Audio. It seems to be the next logical power project since I think I have addressed most other power/electronic noise issues in my Kit.
David - Iâve thought about doing this too! I love the guys at Uptone and they make great products. Let us know how it goes.
Adam
David J said
Now that my Ethernet is squared away, its time to modify the Mac Mini to "quiet" it down a bit.
Hi David, is your Mac Mini inside your listening room?
Cheers
Yes it is in my listening room. It is in my rack.
David J said
Peter, I am considering installation of the Mac Mini DC-Conversion/Linear Fan Controller Kit from UpTone Audio. It seems to be the next logical power project since I think I have addressed most other power/electronic noise issues in my Kit.
I, too, am interested in seriously limiting electrical noise getting into my DSjr DAC. Iâve ordered the necessaries for fibre-optic isolation of the LAN input though Iâll still have to do something about the power supply for the FMC closest to my DAC. I may use Uptone but will explore other options.
Iâve no plans to electrically quiet my Mac Mini (music server). What strikes me is that with the LAN isolated the Mac can be a source of interference only by sending noise from its SMPS back into the mains. However there are loads of other devices in the house with SMPSs (including other computers) so thereâs no point in tackling just one (the Mac Mini), I already have a dedicated spur and a PS Audio Power Plant so I donât believe that thereâs anything else I can do to minimise noise from the mains getting into my DAC (and amp. of course).
Happy to hear insights from others, though.
Peter
I was looking at the Uptone LPS-1 and the Wyred 4 Sound PS-1. I went with the Uptone product simple because I didnât need more that the one unit to power my FMC and occasionally LANRover (with a splitter). Iâm intrigued by the W4S product, though. you could always go more expensive route but I doubt it will be significantly better than the Uptone unit.
I didnât know about the Wyred 4 Sound product. I like its modular design as I already have three things that ought to have better PSUs. Also itâs made in the UK!
Peter, Adam, I am not sure if the Mac Mini Conversion Kit will help the SQ but I have ordered it. My thoughts are that even though the ethernet output is isolated, an LPS may help in other ways⊠I will definitely report back with my findings. Its another inexpensive mod for me since initially, I will power it (12v) with a Condor LPS which I had on the shelf. I am powering my FMC with a Crave PowerPac CRVPP101 (50000 mAh). I was also powering my ethernet switch with the Crave until I found out that I could eliminate the switch. I have a timer set to recharge the Crave automatically at night. Since my whole kit ( speakers, processor, DAC) all use LPS, I figured it would just make sense to convert the Mac Mini as well. Please let me know your thoughts and if you think I am going overboard on this.
By the way, is it safe to leave the FMCâs on all the time?
My streamer which is fed by the downstream FMC is on standby all the time but I only really use it over weekends.
The FMCâs run hotter than my router and modem and I am wondering if leaving them on when not in use is OK.
Thanks
I leave my TP Link FMCâs on 24-7 and they never get more than slightly warm to the touch. I am using 5 volt power sources on each.
yacheah said
The FMC's run hotter than my router and modem and I am wondering if leaving them on when not in use is OK.
Hi yacyeah, when I previously used my FMC's further upstream of my DS Bridge II, they would get warmer obviously because they were seeing much more network traffic - more traffic than just the Bridge II.
But I eventually preferred the sound of the FMCâs right before my Bridge II (for my system only) and now that this is the only network traffic they see, they actually stay cold - not even warm. They consume very little power.
Which model FMCâs do you use and which power supplies? And which streamer, if you donât mind me asking.
And they stay hotter than your modem and router even when the streamer is on standby?
Hi
I am using TP Link MC100CMâs with the stock switching power supplies.
I am using an Auralic Aries streamer.
Yes, they stay hotter than my modem and router. All their lights are on and blinking, even when my streamer is on standby.