Hi, I'm new to the forum and a newish quilter as well, I have the pfaff 2056 and find it an excellent all around machine. I do think the IDT makes a big difference. My experience with pfaff as been a dream but alot of people I spoke to recommended viking as well. the viking has the drop in bobbin and i think the newer ones sport a bigger throat but cost more. I think it comes down to personal taste try them out in store until you are sure- good luck