I'm not interested in embroidery machines since I am a die hard quilter.
I have a Pfaff 4400 that I purchased several years ago and I just love it. It is used for quilting, piecing, and ordinary sewing. It is smooth and moves the fabric beautifully with the IDT walking foot. Never any problems. I hope to buy another Pfaff in the near future, one of the new ones with the large center. This larger center gives more room to move the quilt through while quilting. I highly recommend the Pfaff machines. That is the upside.
Here is the downside:
First: I could have purchased the same basic machine but with fewer built in stitches and without the ability to write names and initials for much less money. I really haven't used those features, have only played around with them. My first word of advice is to critically evaluate just what you wish to do with your machine then purchase accordingly. Buying more features and paying more money for them is not sensible if you don't use the features.
Second: Purchase from a dealer in your area that offers classes and/or will teach you how to use the extra features. I purchased from a local dealer who is only interested in making one sale after another and has no interest in teaching you how to use the machine. He is an expert repair man but with a Pfaff you will seldom need a repair. The next Pfaff I purchase will be from a dealership run by ladies who will be willing to take their time to assist me.