I've used the following each for a couple of months HiFace, Halide, AP2, AP2 + PurePower. AP2+PurePower is better than AP2 which was better than the Halide and HiFace.
Nkbg: You say the AP2 bested the HiFace, yet you list the HiFace as your converter on your virtual system page. Is it just that you haven't changed it yet?
Having used the AP2, JKSPDIF Mk3, Wavelink HS, and Weiss INT203 at the same time I'd say it's a matter of preference. They all sound great, but different. AP2 and Mk3, which are around the same price point, also sound the most different.
Having heard both AP and JK mk3 I can echo Eugene81 on the differencies between the two. JK is smoother and more analog like, where AP is more vivid and more resolving. Adding the PurePower battery PSU greatly improves the AP and I think that in that configuration, it is the best of both worlds.
In order of performance, I would rate all the converters involwed as follows:
AP + Pure Power AP JK mk 3 Stello U3 Halide V-Link HiFace
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