If you have time, please give us a quick comparative review on the sound quality of the SSL Alphalink as compared to whatever converters you are familiar with. Also, is the Alphalink's AD/DA conversion latency listed in the owner's manual (generaly listed in Samples or in milli-seconds)? I can't find this info online, but I haven't looked very hard to be honest.
I'm leaning towards snapping up an Alphalink MADI AX as well :-) I'll start with ADAT + Digiface, and upgrade to the RME MADI card down the road...
MADIface-XT+ARC / 3x HDSP MADI / ADI648
2x SSL Alphalink MADI AX
2x Multiface / 2x Digiface /2x ADI8