I think if you get 20 responses, you'll get 20 different opinions LOL I have a Janome 6600 and I"m very happy with it. I think it's a lot of machine for the money. It has a wide throat area which is good for quilting, has automatic thread cutter, a pull-down needle threader. I do free motion quilting on smaller projects, usually not larger than a lap quilt, and I think the machine does a good job (well, assuming I'm doing a good job, too LOL) Good luck in your search