If you aren't FMQ your quilts the sofia should be fine starter machine. you don't want to spend a lot on a machine unless you are absolutely sure embroidery is what you want to do. it is also expensive for the add ons of stabilizer, thread desins software so take that also into consideration for your budget. I would set a budget and write down features you are interested in and try several babylocks in that range, then try a few ones that may be a little higher to see if it would even be something you are interested in the future. Sales happen all the time so don't let that sway you. Also they might have some older models that have more features in your price range that someone just traded in. I got a gently used espire for 1800 at the time they retailed for 3500, and then I got 2600 for my trade in value. Me personally I don't mind having 1 machine because I don't sew often enough to need a separate embroidery unit.