Sorry for not being clear Andy,
I have found that NEQ5's go for around the $500 - $600 mark and the NEQ6 is around the $1300 plus mark (second hand).
There's an NEQ6 for sale here on our forums but without a tripod (ie the head only) Add in a new tripod and it's nearly the cost of a new NEQ6 so I figure folks are hanging off due to cost.
Not sure that clears it up or makes it worse!!
Re your tripod - checkout
Lonely Speck. This guy uses a tripod and camera and has spectacular results.