I just purchase the Janome 6600 for $1049. Its a great machine. Janome is coming out with a new machine in May that replaces the 6600. If you don't mind getting a used one you could probably at that point pick-up a used 6600 for under $1000.
I went this route, even though I want to do embroidery. I weighed getting an all-in-one which if its embroidering, I can't piece or end up getting 2 machines that can be working at the same time. Just my preference.
Good Luck I know its mind-boggling.
:-D