Originally Posted by Akimo
* I am convinced by the science behind data-based jittering, but assuming an accurate data stream (which ethernet assures under relevant circumstances), no switch or router would be changing the data as it arrives at the interface, other than the most minor header info, so that can't be a cause here either.
I believe the data arrives intact (under nearly all circumstances), but the noise carried with this signal subtly corrupts the analogue output as a result of the that noise being superimposed on some other signal (for example, the audio clock signal). The clock 'trigger' point only has to be a very minute fraction of a second out for this to be audible. The clocking system uses a trigger point to determine the clock edges. If these are increased or reduced by a small fraction of a volt, then the timing will be off.

Prolific music listener / Hi-Fi addict!