Audio Research REF 6 to REF 6SE upgrade.

That is truly expensive and not something I'd ever contemplate.

Considering the changes, this new model could well be worth the upgrade. Check these out, and ignore those who make outrageous guesses and ill-informed assumptions.

Audio Research Reference 6SE Preamplifier

Audio Research: When SE Is Really Special

Well I would think resale value means a lot. 

Most of the time less money is lost on the smaller manufacturers equipment because it's a less expensive to begin with.  I really don't care about brand recognition, only sound quality and reliability.

@pedroeb   I believe that the SE will be worth the overall investment to me. I read so many positive stuff going from the 6 to SE that I am willing to do the upgrade. And probably knowing that this will be my last model that I will be staying with for ever. 

This is what I hate about these so called “upgradable” components. You’re sold on something being upgradable and future proof and then it costs almost a much to upgrade a component as it does to buy a new one. Why…..

Shunyata recently had a major price increase on many of their cables.  They had been producing cables for previous couple of years on old stock, but faced large increases in price when sourcing the wire.  Hard to imagine, but specialty electronic parts price increases probably contributed to this increase.