After months of research of the machine with a wider throat that would fit my tight budget, I narrowed it down to the Juki 98 and the Brother 1500 s.
Because they were both wonderful machines boasing 1500 stitches per minute, with self-threaders, auto cutters and needle down. They were sooo similar, if not identical, I decided on the Brother 1500 s because of the lower pricing.
I am so pleased with it so far. It is fast, smooth, quiet and most of all the throat is 9" wide and 6.5" high. I bought it through Amazon for $599 and it was delivered 3 days after ordering.
Happy Me....Pauline