I test sewed on the new Bernina, about $9000, all day for a class and it was nice but didn't sew a straight seam any better then my other machines I have. I can afford to buy any machine I want whenever I want it and DH wouldn't bat an eye but the best value for the money I would buy a top of the line Kenmore machine.
I have:
Brother 1500
two Janomes
Four vintage Singers including FW, 301, 15 and the first Quantum model.
I had the chance to use a brand new top of the line Kenmore and it's fantastic.