I believe price increase creates unease in the consumer, making them think that it will rise again so it's better to buy quick. Raising and maintaining high prices also can help something average or sub-par keep a premium product reputation, because of the premium price.
The Bose QC15 is $300, so if a consumer thinks that is 'the best' now the Monster product will be, because surely something that is $450 is better, right? Personally, I don't think so, and appreciate that the bass on my PortaPro extends further that the Beats Studio. I'll save my strong distaste for the Turbines and Solo for another time... One thing to be aware of though is that the $150 Solo was rated worse than the iBuds in Consumer Reports a few months ago.