We researched & drove all over the Country & back trying out various machines. One thing not mentioned here at all, at Shows, a machine may not be set up "as" stable or solid as it would be in your home. Diff. flooring and such. We found that out at a Show in Dallas & then the International Quilt Festival in Houston. Some machines may appear to be full of vibration or appear to be too heavy, when in fact they aren't.
After a long 2 yr research and debate, we finally chose the A-1 Elite. Did not want to later discover that we should have bought bigger or better & have to go through the selling of machine to buy another more top of the line, or brand.
Ever machine fits somebody & their needs. You just have to try them and decide which you like the best. Or can afford. I see it as an investment. Check out re-sale value. They are kind of like buying a Chevy vs. a Mercedes in some ways. When trying out at a Show, ask the Dealer for names of people that have bought from them. Check it out. A good reproire with the Dealer is monumental, although we have never had to call them for anything. They set it up and gave us a couple of days of lessons in our home. We loved that! Have been off sailing on the machine ever since & that was 2 or 3 yrs ago.