Congratulation!!!!
I am from Germany.
I also use Apple Mac mini with the Audioengine D1 DAC . Mac Mini ->USB->Audioengine D1 DAC->Chinch direct connected to T+A P1200R preamplifiers. I use Audirvana and Apple Remote app (iPhone, iPad) for controlling .
I ordered today Aries mini . I want to use its internal Aries Mini DAC and connect the direct to preamplifier . What do you think it makes sense? Audioengine D1 DAC should not be as good as Aries Mini ESS Sabre .
Have you ever tried analog output ? How good or bad is the sound?