Just bought the Bernina 550 QE, this summer and the Horn Cabinet that it fits into for quilting. Love it, sharing it with my dh 'cause he likes to sew but messes up lesser machines... Elna and the Lily and Singer by messing with the tension, and he cannot mess this one up that way 'cause the digital read out tells what is going on.
He quilts with me and makes his own kilts, etc. The Horn cabinet weights in at 175 pounds but is on rollers, so its easy to handle. Large shelf on left and behind the machine to hold the quilt for quilting. Love it so far...a bit nervous in starting with it, but it has been very nice to use. Ask questions, take the lessons, pay attention to the needle sizes and thread for it.
Could not afford the 700 or 800 series and this was a good compromise. No it does not embroidery, so I bought the Deco 340 for that. I have a Bernina 1530 since 1999, love it so much, I will continue to work on it. First time in all my tears of sewing, I have a sewing table for each machine and a cutting table and wide ironing board....and lots of light in the quilting room. Got a good deal from my dealer, I hope you can from yours and enjoy. You may BM me for any specific questions about it and I will tell you or find out for you. It is an amazing machine to me. Yes, I would recommend it and it will last a long time, I think.