Do some research on the Janome 6300.. I believe it is the same as the 6600 but with fewer bells and whistles..Less the a $1000 too. I went to my Janome dealer looking for a new machine and also couldn't afford the price on the 6600, the dealer here Never, mentioned or suggested the 6300 as a alternative. After much research I purchased the 6300 on Ebay and am very happy with it.