All 5 machines I have are Janome. They are work-horses and easy to maintain. I have the 2007 DC LE, the 2008 Heart machine, the 1100 serger, 6600P, and 350E embroidery machine. I began with the low end 2007 to see how I liked this brand of machine. 4 years later, it is my favorite to use to piece and sew with. I then bought the 6600P and it is great for everything. Bought the 2008 Heart machine to use for classes and travelling. Got the embroidery machine only after purchasing a Brother and realized after 1 day that 1)I didn't like the sewing/embroidery combo and 2) I wanted a machine that would perform more functions and have a USB port. The serger was a birthday present. All in all, Janome gets my vote. The 6500 has plastic bushings while the 6600 has metal ones along with the built-in Accu-feed sewing.