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If you had both scopes side by side for a comparison, both at the same magnification, I doubt you would see much difference. The light gathering capacity of each is actually close to the same, especially with the C6's central obstruction. Where the C6 will have a substantial edge over your refractor is with high magnification. It will leave it for dead.
However, high magnification is not all that astro is about. How high in magnification you can go also is dependent on the atmosphere. As a rule of thumb, I use the ratio of 50X per inch of aperture. So the C6 will be able to go to 300X before the image quality begins to degrade. But the 300X is dependent on the atmosphere... Typical conditions allow 120X. Good conditions around 200X. Great conditions 300X+ . Your refractor would be able to give close to 300X too, but being an inexpensive refractor the image at high mag. would have chromatic aberrations. The SCT not.
I say this as if the only significant difference is the magnification capability, this is not enough to warrant the swap over.
Now, there is a difference going to an 8" SCT. The aperture gain is nearly 2.5X . Now the differences are significant. Not just magnification capacity (the 8" SCT can go to 400X, weather dependent), but the light gathering too.
While the 6SE is a good scope, just because the price is attractive, I don't think the differences are just significant enough to make it a great purchase.
Now, if money is a concern, and rightly so, you may like to consider a less automated 8" SCT. An SCT that does not have go-to, but just a clock drive, will be just as good optically and save you a bundle. These are often listed in the classifieds here in IIS. You might also consider putting an ad in the Wanted section asking for one. Go-to is not the be all and end all. While convenient, it is not critical.
I hope this insight goes some way to help you make a good decision.
Alex.
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