Aurifil is my "go to" thread. I'm trying to use up my Mettler Silk Finish cotton, but since I started using Aurifil a few years ago, I really don't like it. Compared to Aurifil, it seems "slubby." Superior and King Tut are others I like. Other brands didn't necessarily work better in my machiine, I just prefer the look and the beautifully flat seams that I get when using the Aurifil. And when I bought a multiple-spool package on-line, the cost for the large spools is quite reasonable.
Monofiliment thread in the top gives me very little trouble, having followed a professional quilter's tip to use a drop of Sewer's Aid on it before using.