I had an Elna 8200 embroidery machine, suppose to be same as Janome 300E and while it was a good machine it had to go to shop several time because the thread would come out of place and then the tension plate would get moved or ruined. When I would bring it in the tech would tell me I threaded it wrong wouldnt' listen to me when I told them it would be embroidering fine then BAM all nestie and knotie in the middle of stitching. After 3rd time I traded for a Janome 350E and haven't looked back. I know they say they are the same but there are differences. Elna is not a bad brand but IMHO it is not as good as Janome even if they are owned by Janome.