My experience:
I found the Avante very easy to learn and have had no tension issues. I quilted two charities quilts in the store before I even brought it home, so instruction on loading, threading, and simple quilting really helped.
I have the option to assemble the 12 foot frame, and probably will this summer when we move things around. I haven't had my machine in for any service or maintenance issues after owning it for 3 years, and it was a heavily used machine before I bought it used.
I have no experience with the other machine you mentioned, so I can't compare.
Last edited by DebraK; 03-31-2014 at 06:23 AM.