I had a go on the 830 at a recent show and it was OK (I did some FMQ) but I couldn't see where the money was, compared to my Janome 6600. If I had the budget, I'd get the LA. Or as Lace said, the Sweet Sixteen if space is an issue. But then I don't do any machine embroidery. I use my straight stitch, zig zag and occasionally blanket stitch for applique and apart from that, freehand FMQ so all those bells and whistles would be wasted on me. Plus I didn't like the stitch regulator but probably because I am so used to regulating my own stitch length - control freak - that's me!