Budget streaming amp

The Powernode is sonically the best choice.

IMHO the best sub $1000 amp/streamer is the Marantz pm7000n - check out the online reviews. I have it in my office system hooked up to some LS50s and am ecstatic about the sound/features/value of the setup.

I have Bluesound products, but not the Powernode.  They sound ok, probably not much more you can do at the price point.  I heard the Yamaha at a dealer, not in my system, but sound wise I thought it bested the Node2 when the latter was played through the former.

The R-N303 is entry level.  No balance control, power spec is a joke, etc.  Look at the R-N602...much beefier, full features (including variable loudness, balance, B&T) and uses their ToPART concept. Sells for $599.95.  The $749.95 R-N803 adds their Room EQ concept, YPAO.  I'd normally skip that, except for one thing, it automates the variable loudness and incorportes the room EQ measurement into the algorithm, so like Dolby Volume (never found on a stereo), it works better than any conventional loudness, even their own.  So if this rig is often going to be used at levels below "reference", that could be a winning feature.  

Have you looked at any of the Raspberry Pi options? They have a variety of RPI based amps that could convert any speakers inexpensively. 

I had the NAD with BluOS. I didn't care for it at all. It was very sensitive to phone location plus it just didn't sound good with Bluetooth. I went with the Marantz ND8006 CD/network streamer (via WiFi) for $1200. Sounds wonderful!