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.
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!
