I have not heard of Laura Ashley but I have had both Janome 6600 and now I have the Janome Horizon. I love my Janome but I wanted more functionality and a little more throat area for FMQ. So I sold my Janome 66 to my girlfriend and brought the Horizon at the Houston quilt show. I have had no problems with the 6600 or the Horizon. I loved my 6600 but I really love my Horizon!!!
For pricing if you can, you really should shop around. I did! I had a LQS that wanted to sell me the Horizon for 2999.00, another one that wanted 2700.00. I am so glad I waited until the Houston Show. I was able to get the Horizon and the sewing table for $2250.00 (that included shipping and no sale tax).