I can't answer the above but I'm in the same position as you Sparky. I just got the 8341s and 7350a Sub. I need multiple optical in as I have to split the audio out of my Blu-Ray player separately from the TV so I can use my projector as well and also add my PC into the mix. From what I understand there is no audible difference between AES or balanced into the 8341s, but then Genelec do recommend doing volume control after the Dac has done its stuff.....at least this is what I understand from reading about their remote. I feel like I have two options that may be worth considering in your case if and when you do change from the mini DSP.
The only problem with these two is that I think you would have to run Genelec subs or otherwise another box but I thought I would share what I found anyway
Cambridge Audios network player 851N has AES out - I think in this case it would then need the Genelec remote as you loose volume control, however it has lots of good inputs options as well as the addition of airplay (which for me is a bonus)
https://www.cambridgeaudio.com/row/en/products/hi-fi/851/851n
or
https://www.minidsp.com/products/opendrc-series/opendrc-di
The Open DRC - DI should allow you to run AES out to your speakers and in this case I think you get volume control with it. The only down side for me is the limited inputs so I would have to buy an optical splitter.
At the moment I'm leaning towards the 851N for the convenience of it all, but I guess you also have to pay a price for that as it seems much cheaper to use either balanced outputs with a normal dac - the cheapest I could find being the Soncoz I currently have but it has no remote and I still need to buy another breakout box to split the inputs (+ the optical port just came loose from its fixings!) or adaptors that have been recommended above.
I hope that helps, I'll let you know if I get either
Cheers
Tim