I started out with a Babylock xscape. Nice machine, great for classes, but it does the babylock thing where it takes the first 2 stitches REALLY slow. Pain in the butt!
Then I got a Janome MC 10001 on ebay. Honestly, I've only used it for sewing, not for embroidery yet. I hope to learn this summer. But I got a GREAT deal on it! $780 with shipping. LOVE, LOVE LOVE my Janome!