My preference is for Berninas, but Janomes are good machines, too. You need to sit down at the various machines and sew. Machines have different feels and they also have different sounds. Make a list of options you want -- knee lift, needle up/down, auto threader, thread cutter, decorative stitches, needle position adjustment. If you will be FMQing with it, get the largest throat you can. Find out which feet come with the machine and what any other feet you might want will cost. For example, my Bernina did not come with a rolled edge foot and I now find I need one. Make sure it comes with a walking foot. And find out what kind of warranty each shop offers. The shops may have some gently used trade-ins. I purchased my $4,000 embroidery machine for $1,000, because the lady who originally bought it only kept it for a few months, then traded it in when she upgraded. Most importantly, take your time.