This all depends on your budget, I assume. I was just in your predicament. I ended up buying a Brother PR420PRW. It was $400 on Amazon and I am very happy. It has the largest throat space I could find for $400 or less (7.75"). If much budget had been $1100 I would have bought the Janome 1600P. In a heartbeat, but alas we must pay this silly thing called a mortgage.