Hmmm... do you know for a fact they're releasing a new product? They're past due, I think.
And yeah, I think Jebao and Maxspect both have something to do with this if they're not releasing a new product. These don't seem to be labeled as closeout, though, simply price reduction, but it could be either really. And it definitely affects the used market. When new ones are $299, who wants to pay $250 for a 3 year old one?
I know the vortechs get a lot of hate but I have been really happy with mine. I had some squealing for a few days as they broke in but besides that I haven't had any problems out of them. If one of them died right now I'd probably get another to replace it. I just checked and I bought them in 2011.