Which DAC is better?

I have the Node 2i and would be very happy with the internal DAC if it was my only option but I am currently running it through an external DAC to my preamp. I do find the DAC in the Node 2i to get better at higher volumes.
As others have stated go with the SPDIF Coax cable from the Node to your preamp to test the DAC in the Hint. You won’t get the higher res transfer from the Node using an optical cable.
You should be able to also connect the Node from the analog outputs in the Node to the Hint and switch inputs back and forth to compare the DAC's one after the other.

tgilb

Spot on. Buy an inexpensive coax cable, experiment and listen. You may find you agree with the majority of Node2i users and prefer not to use the onboard DAC. The worst that will happen is you hear no difference and you just have an extra cable. From what I've heard is the Node2i DAC is it's weak link. The Hint DAC is very good.

I have an older version of the Node.  I heard the latest iteration at a dealer and was impressed with the improvement in the DAC.  I have no idea re the Parasound 

The DAC in the Parasound is actually very good, much better than the one supplied with the Bluesound. Tried and tested. Much better. I have a Straightwire Coax run from Node to Hint 6. Make sure your settings in the Node are set for an external DAC.

Hello,
If you are running Tidal you want to make sure the DAC in the Hint6 is MQA ready. You will want it to unfold completely. The DAC in the Node 2i is very good. I have tested this. It is as good as a $700 DAC. You can run all three connections if you want. A couple dig cables off Amazon will run you $20. They will sound different and most people prefer a coax. There is a cable Nordost discontinued called the Silver Shadow. It was $540 but now it’s $270. It is awesome with the BlueSound Nodes. A lot of people do not realize how good the BlueSound Node is. You can also upgrade to a linear power supply. I know you are doubling the price of your streamer. If you did all of this you would have an awesome streamer with one of the best user interfaces. This dealer in the Chicagoland area sells everything except the power supply board replacement. https://holmaudio.com/
They also let you try before you buy if you want to hear the Nordost Silver Shadow or try out a NODE. They did have some Node 2i at a discount last I checked if you wanted to get into streaming. I hope this helped. When I was in the store last they had the PowerNODE hooked up to a KEF KC62 subwoofer. So cool because the BlueSound lets you crossover the sub in the app.