The next machine I buy will have a LARGE throat. I will try it out before buying. It will also have duel feed. It will run smooth, no clicking or clanging. LOL
The pfaff I had for 30 years was a workhorse. I'm so sorry I sold it, thinking it was time to upgrade. What a mistake.
My other machine, a Kenmore, I paid 350 for way back when, was also a workhorse, but couldn't compare to the Pfaff.
My Esante ESe2 is an embroidery machine, which is ok, but not the best. It is noisy. The Viking sound smoother. I don't have the money to buy another machine right now, but I know I will be sitting down and testing each machine and test it from shear materials to thick layers.
Always ask the sales person, when is the next model coming out? What will the new model have that the old one doesn't have. I think the machines are over priced anyway. Just take a day off and go out testing.
Good Luck
Syl