One thing to keep in mind, only strait stitch machines set up on a table can have a stitch regulator added.
I have a Sapphire 830 with a 10 in throat and needle down but you still have to shove a quilt thru it. I paid $1100 for it new a few yrs ago. It helped but its not a long arm.
I cant afford a long arm machine but can do a strait stitch on a frame so I get mine on Mon. These machines are reasonably priced, The Brother runs around $600. The stitch regulator runs $500. With a table it will run around $2000 for the set up.
Of course you need the room for it. Mine will be taking up the dining area of my living room.