I just purchased a Voyager 17 and Hinterberg stretch frame setup used for $3,000. The previous owner bought it new, used it for 5 years, and is now upgrading to a used APQS. For me, this is a good beginner setup. The only reason I might eventually sell it is if I want to upgrade. My setup came with several extras (including a bobbin winder for the size bobbin the machine takes), but does not have a stitch regulator. It is nice to have a setup with a stitch regulator, especially when starting out, but it's something I can add for about $500 if I decide I really need it.
One of the biggest considerations is the throat size of the machine. When the budget is closer to $2,000 than 5,000 a buyer typically needs to look at smaller throat size (such as the 9" harp of the Juki). This becomes very limiting very quickly but, in my opinion, is still a lot better than trying to push a large quilt through the throat of a domestic machine!
Frame quality is important. My Voyager is a very heavy machine (about 70 pounds), but the Hinterberg frame is sturdy and the bearings on the carriage are very good, so the machine moves very smoothly. This machine would probably not work as well on a flimsier frame because of the weight.
There is a Hinterbergquilters group on groups.yahoo.com you might want to join. They maintain a database of machine setups for people who are buying and selling. You might find someone wanting to sell their setup in your area! Another good group to join is the homequiltingsystems group, also on yahoo. That is a large, active group of quilters with a wide variety of setups ranging from extremely economical to top-of-the-line.
Last edited by Prism99; 11-02-2012 at 10:10 AM.