Requesting recommendations for simple and easy to use music streaming devices

Keep the amp and the streamer separate. I’d recommend the new Innuos Pulse Mini that’ll kick the crap outta any Node for sound quality, their new Sense software sounds top level and is easy to use (and is free), and Innuos’ customer support is exemplary if you ever need it.

https://almaaudio.com/products/innuos-pulse-mini-network-player

For an amp, for the sound characteristics you seem to like the Yamaha A-S1100 is built like a tank, looks beautiful, should offer absolute bulletproof reliability and can be had in as-new condition from a very reputable dealer at a little over half full MSRP. Total no brainer to me.
https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/yamas1100sl-rb/yamaha-a-s1100-integrated-amplifier-silver/1.html

Put these two products together and I think you’re in total hog heaven within your budget. Hope this helps, and best of luck!

You hit the nail on the head with "easy to use".  The main difference between quality streamers is the Human Machine Interface (HMI).  I find some of them suck and some of them I like.  It is a personal thing so it would be great if you could demo some of them and figure out how to search for songs and play them and see if you like it.  

I use Roon, not terribly simple to set up but very nice to use.  I hear aurender conductor is good.  I had a bluesound node but can't remember if the controls appealed to me or not.  so look closely at how you manage your music and play songs.  I like doing it with my laptop in my lap.  Roon I can do on my laptop, my phone, or my tablet.

What I didn't like was using either Tidal or Qobuz as my music managment interface.

Jerry

HiFI Rose RS 520 ($3,695) or RS 201E ($2,195) would do what you need. Very simple to set up and use.

A Naim Uniti Atom might fit the bill. It’s an all in one streamer/DAC/amp but since you say you’re not planing to move on from there that may not be a problem for you. You’ll need an iPAD or at a pinch an Android tablet for the app, the apple version of which works more reliably I’m told and is what I use and I find it very easy. Setup to an existing wireless network was painless if the tablet is already connected and the free app running on it. There is native Tidal, Qobuz and spotify and other services via Airplay and Chromecast and it should suit the Grahams a treat. The only drawback is cost compared to some of it’s competitors but worth a listen if you can before deciding.

Naim uniti either a Star or Nova

superb sound quality

superb build quality

great easy to use app

warm full sounding should drive the Grahams easily

Dave and Troy

Audio intellect NJ

Naim and bluesound dealers