I recently purchased the Husquevera Viking Saphire 875, quilters edition and I love it. When you stop stitching the presser foot raises slightly, and with needle down this is just the most fantastic time saver...it also has the thread cutter. I am afraid I could not go back to the conventional machine now, I have become spoiled! I think they are having a special on that machine right now and throwing in a quilt package, which I did not get with mine. It does not have the knee lift, but with the presser foot feature, you don't miss that. That always got in my way, anyway. Good luck on your quest!
Michelle