When I first got into quilting (about 5-6 years ago) I bought the Viking Sapphire and loved it (never had an older machine, so had nothing to compare to).
Less than a year later I wanted more - embroidery was what I wanted ... so I upgraded to the Topaz30.
I have a fabulous dealer and she "read" me accurately right off the bat when I bought the Sapphire. She laughed and said I'd be back in less than a year to upgrade ... and she was right. I didn't get top of the line because I do this for me, for fun - I donate everything I make. I do get some quilts done for me if I'm pressed for time, but otherwise, I will quilt them all myself.
I sat down with a pile of fabric, batting, etc. and she just let me sew away - checking out all the options.
She also does Husqvarna classes - embroidery and quilting classes - on alternate Fridays / Sundays. I go to both of those and learn all kinds of fabulous things about my machine.
I have just started FMQ and my machine does a beatiful job (it will be even better when I'm better at it!) ... if say, it 5 or 6 years, I discover I love FMQ, I might buy a sweet 16 ... or not ...
You really need to test drive a whole bunch and figure out what it is you want from your machine - and what do you really want to do?