If our experience with Von Schweikert VR-4JRs are any indication, this means that there is a new VR-1 waiting in the wings and the stock of current VR-1s are being sold at a discount. Still, I have the VR-1s and love them. I recently bought the VR-4JRS (not the new upgraded ones) and love them. Even if I send my VR-4s back for the upgrade, it is still less money than new ones. Whether they are made in China is only important to a few. The sound is spectacular, especially for the new price.