The Singer brand is now owned by the same company which owns Pfaff and Husqvarna/Viking. I hate that these companies are no longer stand alone companies but this is the reality. I can't say for certain if the Pfaff and Viking brands have suffered in quality since the merger because I don't own one of those machines. I have sewn on the older Pfaffs before the merger and I have a Pfaff 138 industrial that I adore. I have never used a Viking machine. I do know they are dearly loved brands by many people, this is a good thing.
I am hoping to see some 'trickle down technology' to the Singer brand from the Pfaff/Viking lines. If this happens and the quality remains on the higher end Pfaff and Viking machines, I think Singer will be a viable contender in the mid-range market.