I have all Vikings, but I do have a comment on the Janome se up. My first machine was a small Brother, embroidery only with a 4X4 hoop. As soon as I started using it, I knew that I wanted a larger hoop. The thing that I LOVED about that machine was that the hoop attached on the right side of the needle. If you are planning on doing any garments or bags I found it so much easier to have the hoop on the right so that the bulk of the item was neither squashed into the harp of the machine or laying on top of the embroidery arm mechanism with the possibility of it catching on it. I never got the hang of quilting my quilts in the hoop. I did borders, where I wasn't trying to get the quilt into the harp and I did several QAYG, where I quilted the blocks individually then joined. See if there is an 'endless' hoop available for the machine you are considering. This makes quilting borders really easy. Having said this there are lots of videos out there with tips on doing this successfully.
I applaud your husband's enthusiasm, but don't rush into a decision!