I have had embroidery machines for quite a few years. I started with a Janome MC9000 and then bought the Janome MC10000. I still have the Janome 10000 but since have purchased the Brother embroidery only PR620 and the Brother Quattro 6000D. I have had no problems with any of these machines and they are all well used. I like the user friendliness of the Janome and Brother brands and I have good service agents for both brands.
If you have not previously owned an embroidery machine
you should search out a good dealer near you who will give good backup service. Also the other thing is that the machine embroidery hole is a huge one. The costs only begin with the machine. After the machine comes, thread, bobbin fil, stabilizers, software and designs, also extra attachments not included with the machine.
I have justified my sewing / quilting / machine embroidery habit with the fact that I don't drink alcohol or smoke cigarettes, but my husband thinks it may be cheaper if I did.