Another vote for Crescendo - I'm not sure how the Aria is different, but I think it's the laser light and pen thing. I will say that I haven't used the pen, but the laser light is one of the best things ever. I also like the walking foot - once you find the right spot on the foot, your stitch in the ditch will be perfect. I had a Symphony, but 6 months later I was kicking myself that I didn't just bite the bullet the first time around and get the Crescendo. I also have the fancy foot pedal - love that too.