This is what I've heard as well. Jude confirmed the first part (saying that the people from Oppo were actually rather nervous about having Jude put them on other people for photos because they didn't want many to hear).
I'm abbreviating the encounter, but here's how it went down:
Jason (CTO and VP Product Development at Oppo) approached the Head-Fi table when I was alone and introduced himself. He mentioned Oppo was entering the headphone audio space. Given their experience with electronics, I guessed "headphone amp or DAC/amp," and he said "headphone." He mentioned they already had prototypes, and I expressed my surprise, and told him I'd be very interested in hearing the prototype(s) when ready. Jason then proceeded to remove one of the prototypes from his backpack, and I was shocked at how polished it was. As might be evident in my photos, the Oppo PM-1 prototype he had was definitely more refined in its form and finish than I'm used to seeing from prototypes.
I wouldn't characterize it as lightweight, but it was light enough that I didn't assume from the get-go that it was a planar magnetic headphone. As you can see from the photos, it comes off as quite a bit less bulky than most of the popular planar magnetic headphones currently on the market. It was obvious to me from the construction, materials, and the level of fit and finish (especially as a prototype) that this was intended to be a premium product.
I asked Jason if I could plug the Oppo PM-1 into my portable rig, and he agreed. My portable rig was the latest-gen iPod Touch digitally feeding a CEntrance HiFi-M8, with the HiFi-M8's gain initially set to medium, and then eventually to high. The HiFi-M8 drove the PM-1 prototype very easily. The sound was very impressive for a prototype, which I told Jason. He then told me it was a planar magnetic headphone, which, given its design, weight, and the fact that it's from Oppo, had me reacting with some astonishment. He also told me there was still some significant tuning to be done, which is why I'm not commenting much on the sound (beyond what I said in the first post).
Jason and I talked for a while, during which Jerry Harvey came by for a visit. I asked Jason if I could let Jerry hear it, and he agreed. Jerry was tapping his feet, and commented positively on the sound. At one point, there were several people around, so I placed the PM-1 prototype under my table, as it really wasn't intended to be on public display for public listening yet. I asked if I could take photos to post on Head-Fi, and he thought about it and agreed. I don't think Jason expected me to ask a couple of Head-Fi'ers to model it for me, which is what happened--but I didn't let either of the guys who modeled it listen to it (but for a brief moment in one case), and neither was told what make/model the headphone was.
And, in short, that's how it went down. I had no idea before the show that Oppo was developing a headphone. Imagine your reaction when you first saw me post that Oppo was making a planar magnetic headphone--I had the same reaction.
We will be getting at least one prototype here soon, as the model continues to develop. Once it arrives, I'll post more photos and impressions; and I'll be posting more information about the Oppo PM-1 as more information comes in.
. But point taken, it seems a senior Oppo rep just "popped in" but didn't exhibit there.
