I've owned a Riccar(dead), Viking(sold because I wanted an embroidery combined machine), Janome 9000, Morse, White, Janome Compulock and a Bernina 830. So, you could say I've never been one to be brand specific. I buy the machine that best suits my needs at the moment. My opinion is that Janome will give you the most machine for your money and Bernina is the best quality made machine on the market. Have fun shopping and enjoy your new machine.