Well, to my ear the 6500 is easily the best Technics keyboard to this point. I've owned 6 or 7 (lost count) and each generation seems better than the previous. I've often wondered if any Technics owners have been disappointed for some reason and moved back to an earlier model? Maybe it's foolish thinking, but I generally assume that the latest model will show improvements that make it attractive enough to trade for. However, I've never bought one sight unseen or unheard.