price of Oppo players threw the roof

Some see it as greed but to some it’s business opportunity. That’s what it means to have freedom. If you don’t like what you see, click next and don’t buy. IMHO (I bet you wouldn’t like people telling you how much you should be selling your products) 

I don't think they are throwing any roofs...  Its through, not threw.

No - Supply and demand

I have no idea if a new Oppo is the way to go. Maybe the following is relevant. My Oppo 981 plays CDs quite ok but no more. SACDs are better, lively and large soundscape. Yet it is still beaten by vinyl rips made on my Tascam DA-3000, played back on the small Fiio X3ii DAP.  Not in all respects, the Oppo SACD soundscape is larger, and better in some ways - the vinyl has associated problems - but in terms of long term listening. I am aware that Oppo players evolved a lot, from my 981 model.

Shortage creates demand. Simple economics.

The last 4K spinner? I reserved one at OPPO.