if all the talk about digital improving at a rapid pace are true, theres a possibility that a brand new $1,000 player with 2010 technology might best an old $5,000 player.
In my experience, yes. My $1,500 Sony XA5400ES beats the previous $5,000 players and DAC I used to own including Bel Canto, Linn, etc. I don't have any experience with Oppo though.