I am happy to hear that you are progressing.
doing this ; you create another network
If you want to connect a 3rd Mac you need a switch
You can run again my tutorial and see what adress you are getting
Concerning click and pops :
- See my configuration I have a SATA III card and raid of SSD for my libs
- I had problem of preload buffer length on some instruments. You have to isolate the part and the track. For instance, I had to increase the preload buffer size of the trumpet B