That hasn't been my experience with a properly set up Mac Mini.
I have a Mac Mini and I've run Pure Music, Audirvana Plus, or HQPlayer on it directly into a couple good USB DACs. I also have the microRendu with an excellent power supply.
The difference between the Mac Mini to DAC vs microRendu to DAC is not huge, and certainly not a *massive* increase in sound quality. However, the microRendu has proven to be an excellent solution for my second system providing network access to my existing music collection residing on the Mini.
If your main concern is a reduction in 'box count' you can run the Mac Mini with a good player directly into an Integrated Amp that has a built-in DAC. Only two boxes!
