I just received my 8900. I love it. Set the machine for FMQ according to the book, did not change bobbin case, needle, nothing...it FMQed like a dream, no eyelashes on the back with my curves.... The machine is so quiet....
Beautiful decorative stitches with the 9mm. If you do not want to spend this much, I would opt for the 6600 for quilting. I have two of them, one for home, one for cabin....they are real workhorses....never in the shop. I love the Accufeed on the 6600 and the Accufeed flex on the 8900.
I have: 8900/6600/3160/4900/11000SE Another Janome gal....
Diana in TX