Not as cheap as empeg support but atleast they are out there.

Having a bit of a browse as you do i found this page
http://www.noritake-elec.com/selection_guide.htm
search for MN12832E points to GU128X32
Found another page
http://www.controlanything.com/html/micros.htm
search for GU128x32-800-DO.
$148 so not that cheap, but available.

This board has a MN12832E/J fitted so if desperate this may be an option to aquire a vfd.

Also found another MP3 player that use's the same display.
http://www.dvhart.com/projects.php



C.