Simm

No, I have not tried, nor read about, any alternatives.

I have recently upgraded my DAC2X (purchased new from EMM in 2012) to Version 2. The upgrade was done at EMM in Canada as I have no local dealer. The upgrade is a major step up from an already excellent dac and well worth the cost. I strongly recommend the upgrade to anyone who owns the DAC2X (including Computer Audiophile, Chris Connaker if he still has a DAC2X on hand). When I have more time, I will give more detail about the improvements I notice with the upgraded unit. They aren't subtle.

Yes there is an update for the MA 1. Contact your dealer or EMM Labs (EMM Labs - Meitner Design - High Performance Audio) for the details. You will need your dealer to install it or you can do it yourself (not recommended since you will need a computer running Windows 7, 8 or XP and EMM labs will have to send you, over the internet, the special software which you install through a somewhat rigorous process to your unit).

Here is the link to Meitner's Site (and product description). Meitner Audio: MA-2 Integrated Playback System