I have a Janome 7700, and it's a great machine. I also have a Brother PQ1500 and Brother PC-420. The PC-420 was fine, for about 2 months. I even bought a 2nd one, hoping it was a fluke that the 1st one broke down so quickly. Well it wasn't.
But I must say my absolute favorite machine is my Juki HZL-400. It sews just as great as my Janome, and actually it's got a quiter smooth running feel to it when I'm sewing. If it had the 11" harp like my Janome, it would be the clear cut fave of mine. And I paid a lot less for my Juki than my Janome.
Kif