NODE as just a streamer / Airplay device

Yes. Go for it. I have had the Node 2i for a few years and over that span have graduated through 3 outboard DACs with increasingly great results. The Node as just a streamer, is a great option with easy and stable software. Mine's been extremely reliable. Add in the external DAC and you'll enhance your experience further. 

It costs twice the price of the Node but I would shell out for Cambridge Audio CXN 60.  It adds Chromecast, which blows away AirPlay.  It sounds better just a streamer than the Node, and is really great with Internet Radio, and has a good app.  It also has a very good DAC.

Node to external Dac with Qobuz works fine…

NODE N130 with Pardo LPS powered with Shunyata venom 14 PC  to Gustard X26 PRO via DH Labs silver USB cable so it uses the superior Gustard clock instead of the Node. Blujeans ethernet cable from NODE to TP-Link extender. Bingo, life is good. Vinyl setup, CD setup and now streaming setup, all sound equally GREAT with slightly different presentation. It takes time and dedication but is truly a wonderful journey. Of course, none of these results would have been achieved to those levels without the attention to detail in the room building and its acoustics. If interested I give plenty of details about all of it in my house of stereo system page. Seeing other folks systems has always been a big part of my learning process on this site. Everyone should post their system so we know what they are talking about when they make claims about their experiences. 

After all, that's why many sites have the poster's system listed below each of their posts and of course all reviewers post theirs too with each review. Without that info, I respectfully learn nothing.