Originally Posted by nanbue

I have recently bought new machines. So I have tested lots of them.
I ended up with a Bernina 635EL and I am really happy with it. I got the BSR and the Embroidery module. If you do a
lot of FMQuilting the BSR is something to really consider. Though I can do it without, it makes it easier and more relaxing for me, because It helps me get more even results.
My machine is imo pretty, especially since I put my own skin on it. Fun. It is great for any kind of sewing.
I also loved the new 580 when I tried it out, and thought about trading in the 635 for it. Then I decided to wait and see what Bernina replaces their 730 model with next year.( another great machine is the 730) I like having the 9mm
stitches for certain things. I tried the 820, never the 830E. The 820 for me was too big, to much machine for me.
But if you want a huge harp space. then it is worth a look as is the Brother Duetta, and higher models. The new
Janome 7700 looks great, though I have never tried it out.

I also have a Pfaff Ex. 4.0 that ans. all my other needs. Like the auto pivot feature, for applique, the 9mm decorative
decorative stitches, larger harp space, auto knee lift, and auto thread cutters.
This machine is finicky. I have to warn you and sometimes wish I had not purchased it.

From all the machines I tested before making a decision.
(and it was not easy to decide, because there are lots of nice machines out there.)
In the Bernina line, I found the 215 nice for travel, but there are better, in my humble opinion, all around machines in the 600 to 1000 range.
in that there are a few more features that I think are really great to have. Like a knee lift.
I thought the Baby lock Elizabeth was my favorite under 1000 hands down. And at some point I hope to purchase this
machine for a traveler. It is smooth, fairly quiet, has a lot going for it, with a nice large snap in table, knee lift, and
thread cutters, which I love for thread drawing.
I also like the Pfaff Ambitions they are not finicky like the Expression 4.0 that I have.
All of the Berninas above 380 would make a wonderful machine for quilting or any other types of sewing.
The draw back if like to make larger works, is the harp space. (why I dont favor the 300 series for quilting, is no bsr capability) snap feet rather then the full sized Bernina feet that I really like) There other machines that have very good stitch quality and give you more features in that price range.
I also liked the Baby lock Symphony. I think that is a wonderful machine, and often wish I had gone for it rather then the Pfaff. But I personally liked the look of the Pfaff, and its Intergraded Duel Feed.
Plus it has a two year warranty and I like my dealer a lot.
That counts for something.
I liked the Viking Sapphire 875 very much too.
I dont know anything about Janome, except people who have them like them a lot and they are quiet.
A BIG Plus.
I found the Bernina 580 very quiet, had a beautiful stitch and lots of great features, but if you dont want embroidery you are out of luck because that is how it is packaged. I am waiting to see what they come out with to replace their 730 next year.
The 550QE is a great machine too, and comes with the BSR and Walking foot.
These machines all go over 2000 and some way over 2000.

There are also the discontinued Berninas, that you can find at very good prices the 430 and 440. If you are into embroidery I like the fact that you dont have to link your computer to the new 500's like you do with the older 430/40

Used machines, are also a great option.
Favored for me are the Bernina, computerized 1230 and 1260 or Pfaffs made in Germany.
Mechanicals the 930 (should be super smooth and quiet, this machine stitches much slower then new machines.)
1020, and 1030. All these have the auto basting feature, wonderful to have. are very smooth machines with all the
most important stitches.

Dont know much about Elna, or Janome, or Brothers, and Juki.
Best thing is bring lots of difficult fabrics and test out what ever you are interested in. Have fun and enjoy the process.
Machines for me are about performance, then looks, sounds and feel.
I think a lot of machines are wonderful for their own reasons. I do favor bernina, as I think they are the gold standard in stitch quality, machine quality and precision.