Just for some detailed comments , I wrote this up on the Audio Enthusiasts FB Page.
My System
Anthem STR Preamp
Anthem STR Amp
Aurum Cantus V7F
SVS 3000Micro (pr in stereo)
Transparent Audio Ultra Cabling
Dedicated 11.5 x 14 treated room
iPad control
Auralic Aries G1 vs HiFi Rose 150B
Aries USB to STR Preamp
Rose XLR to STR Preamp
Testing using Tidal/Qobuz
GUI/APP: Auralic
This is more of a personal preference but the Aries app is, by default, simpler and easier to navigate. In fairness I have to spend time to figure out the 150s app more but the G1 was easy from the start.
Features: 150B all day
There are so many cool things the 150 does with music and video it's not even a contest. I have an old computer monitor hooked up which makes that experience better and I may wall mount a TV in the front of the room instead of looking off my right to see the video.
Aesthetics: 150B
Again, this is a personal preference. The display of the 150 is superior but if you are a simplistic type of person the G1 will work too. The Aries has a nice display which gives you the now playing and album artwork.
Sound quality in SD (CD Quality): Tie
More on this below but I was surprised as well. There was many songs I played in SD and nothing stood out as better using the 150B
Sound quality in HD/MQA: 150B
Regarding MQA this was a little unfair because my Anthem isn't MQA compliant and the 150 is so I wasn't surprised. However, using Qobuz, it was close. On both formats my first observation I thought to myself was the sound stage is so much clearer, defined and more clear. Sonically, the midrange is a bit more clear (both male and female vocal), high frequencies are a bit softer (shockingly with my experience with ESS DACs) and there no change in the low range.
STR vs 150B (as a preamp): STR by a lot
ARC is a great tool when used properly, even then the 150 isn't close.