My babylock espire was 1800, my dreamweaver was 6400 with trade in on the espire, loved them both for various reasons and do think they are woth the money, that being said I used my cheapos for 10 years with no problems, so are they necessary no, are the wonderful if you can afford them yes, do i still use my cheapo, all the time, but when i do i very much miss the features on my TOL. IMHO they are worth the money if you can afford them why not have something nice for yourself, you work hard, you've earned it