As one can see, we all have different opinions of which machines are the best, meaning the best for each of us. I have a Ellisimo Gold II, a Janome 7700, a old Kenmore with cams, and a Elna 6004. I loved each machine when I first got them, but of all of them my BabyLock Ellisimo is just the cat's meow. I say buy what you like, (after trying some) & then if you can, spring for the next model up because after a time you'll want more & more features. I can not live now with out my knee lift, thread cutter and needle up/down features, but that is just me.