I have the Brother 9000 and really like it. Sometimes I have a clunk when there is dust or the tension is not right. When I clean it out and rethread both the top and the bobbin it sounds fine. (You sound like you know all about this, but I take it apart to get fuzz out of the feed dogs - removing the bobbin housing and the metal plate that is screwed on. Had to find bent screwdrivers for those.) BUT ... it's not real happy with thick seams and may clunk then. I think you'll enjoy it. I use about 4 of the decorative stitches a LOT... another 2 or so sometimes - the rest ... never use... (I've had it about a year and STILL think I need to oil it!)