I started with a Janome 9000 (1995 - still have it, it runs great - was top of the line at the time)
Got a Babylock Ellageo in 2001 (top of line then - DH bought it as gift for bigger hoop embroidery)
Recently traded it in (didn't want to - LOVED that machine and it still ran great but used floppy disks for design transfers)
Traded it for a Babylock Esante. NOT TOP OF LINE because I told my dealer I did not want all the laser lights, etc. and did not want to rob my 401K just for a machine. I just wanted a great machine. So far I am very happy. I do have back up machines just because I could not part with my Janome 9000 and I had a Babylock Sofia for classes.