"the Oppo has so many features I wouldn't be using in an audio only system that I ought to get a CD player more focused on just playing CDs. "
this makes sense, except that Oppo is known for having better sound than much more expensive players
new ESS chips are about to be released, and Oppo will have new players out, as will many others; even if you don't buy a new player the release will push prices down on existing payers, so I'd hold off for a few months and use the time to develop a short list to about $2k retail, then see if any used ones will fit your budget