Which new OPPO DVD player is the one to get?

I purchased a 980 a week ago to use as a transport into a Bel Canto DAC2. So far so good. I haven't used the audio outs from the unit nor have I used dvd.
The 980 also has a USB connection but I haven't used that either and don't know it's purpose. This weekend I'll hook up the audio out and try a few cds and some of the few SACDs I own.

Anyone know approximately when OPPO will release their next DVD player to replace the 980 and 981?

The 983 will not replace the 980/981. Probably see it by late March. Lots more talk over at AVSForum.

My report will appear in the May Stereophile.

Kal

I bought my Oppo DV-980H primarily for audio use, based on Oppo's own summaries of their product offerings. This little $169 wonder thoroughly trumps the Philips 963SA it replaces, plus it plays DVD-A, which the Philips could not. It is also a stalwart DVD upconverter via HDMI, about as good as my Toshiba HD-D2, which is very good at that.

Just last night I was listening to some surround DVD-As on the Oppo and enjoying every minute. It also does SACD and HDCD CDs beyond my expectations--nice detail, nice perspective, surprisingly organic sounding. I've been on a steady diet of vinyl for 11 mos. and am not easily pleased by digital any more. I'm very pleased with the Oppo.

Johnnyb53...Makes you wonder why some outfits charge you several grand for their players.

As others have noted, the remote needs improvement. That's the worst thing I can say about my Oppo.