Oppo Ceasing production

genesis777 - That's a shame...I bought a Sonica Dac and was quite impressed with it.

"Was", past tense? Just curious why your impression should change, when - IMO - it shouldn't.

trelja - I can't even imagine 200 high-end audio dealers existing today across all the brands.

Certain manufacturers, such as Oppo and Schiit, have already figured out that use of a dealer is often counter productive from a profitability perspective. This is the reason they sell direct to the end user/consumer. Win-win for both, and a big reason Oppo was successful. 

Probably has nothing to with the "death " of physical media.  If so, why wouldn't Oppo just release a streamer? 

More than likely has to with trade and tariffs. What the future holds; we don't know.  But, probably forced with the decision to raise their prices or cease production.  They chose the latter.

@vrao81 No, high end audio isn't doomed for young people.  High end shouldn't mean high price.  Which is what I think you are referring to.  If so , then yes.  However, Oppo was an example of an affordable and accessible but, good sounding digital products. A shame they are stopping.  

It really makes no sense. When you have a name and a product that has market respect... there is marketable value!  Why isn’t the audio products business being sold to another respected brand who would probably like to have oppo???

Assuming they actually just walk away, what CD player or cd/dac combo can you buy for $1300 that is as good or better?

More than likely has to with trade and tariffs.

If so, this could be the tip of the iceberg. I just saw used BDP-103 units going for low $400 to just over $600 on amazon. One could buy a UDP-203 and sell their 103 to cover most of the cost. 

I'm leaning towards getting a UDP-203.

All the best,
Nonoise