I am very fortunate to own the husqvarna designer Royal. So far I am very happy with it. I traded my designer deluxe in. I was not happy with the designer deluxe, personally I think it was a lemon for viking. The engineering was awful. I also have the previous model designer SE and love it, it is my work horse. I have owned many husqvarnas very happy with them...thus the reason I stay with them.
I agree with others, it's a big investment, test drive, test drive and when you are done test drive again. Each person has their preferences. Before you purchase any machine, make sure you understand how you will use your machine. Whatever machine you purchase..ENJOY!