I haven't read the other responses but want to answer. I had a Pfhaff Grandquilter.....got rid of it. Bought an Avante and have never looked back!!!!
I LOVE LOVE LOVE this machine!!! I was doing quilts for customers....so have done a LOT of quilts (check out my blog -- and that's not all of them!). I honestly do not think you can go wrong with it!!!! I have a room 7 1/2 foot by 17 foot. I wish it were a little wider (like 9 feet wide). As for the size of quilts. I've done tablerunners up to 107" wide quilts on this machine. EVERY part of that machine is made for the Avante. The stitch regulator is the most important. I found out the other mid priced machines all use the same SR that is generic. Some of the machines don't like them. The thing that sold me on the machine was the ability to stand there, with one finger on the machine and move it around. I couldn't do that with the others. .....they were heavy.
I also like that extra bar in the back that means you don't have to move the rollers up every time you roll the quilt and it also has a larger wheel to help you roll the quilt.
And I just went back to read.....I quilted for a business....my warrenty was NOT voided. I even have bought an extended warranty. They KNOW I do quilts for customers because they referred people to me.