Consumer Reports magazine (March, 2009) rated sewing machines - and for embroidery/sewing - they recommended:
Bernina - Activa 230 PE
Janome Memory Craft 6600P
Janome 6260 QC
Bernina Aurora 4400QE
and mentioned Pfaff - Select 3.0 as good for intermediate sewing.
You should read the article on how they tested the machines - it was interesting to me. You should "test drive" the machines, if at all possible and see what is the best fit for you. Good luck!
Karen/KY