it is best to visit shows & dealers & try out (test drive) as many different machines you can get your hands on before choosing one- there are many to choose from and just like driving a car they are a large expense-investment- you want to get the one that (fits you) best- don't just buy one you read about on line-
you need to take into account service, tech support, set up, delivery, lots of things- it is best to find ones in person and try them out- most quilt shows have one or more set up for you to try out-dealers usually have demo ones set up-i've had an hq-16 for 8 years- i have a good relationship with my machine- i have a friend who had one- for 3 years- she managed to quilt 2 quilts on it in that 3 years- and was always upset-frustrated- unhappy with it--right up until she sold it- and lost about $5000 in the process....