I'm not sure how much money you have to spend. I didn't have much and bought a SE400. I really did have a difficult time at first because I was told to use the 40 wt thread...
BUT if you try to do a wonderfully detailed lots of fill design, you're, going to find the thread is WAY too heavy and it'll "eat" your fabric. So, now I use 50-60 wt thread (ThreaDesign makes it in 24 embroidery colors - yes it is embroidery thread). It is wonderful for stippeling on a quilt as well as embroidery work. I just select a design with less fill and it usually comes out beautifully.
Happy stitching. SandyG