Hi mmbl62,
In my opinion, and to answer your original question, if you can get I REF 6 for that price, there is no question in my mind which one is better. Having spent time with the REF 5SE it's a wonderful preamp.
If I never compared it to the 6 I would be more than content. However, comparing the two everything about the REF 6 is just better...
Just more of everything and imaging that makes you want to reach out and grab the musicians! I'm getting much less sleep than I used to. :(