My 2 Brother 1500SE has been a dream for ~20 yrs. My usual threads are Aurifil and BottomLine. Have used metalic. Also used Razzle Dazzle in the bobbin. Have used 60 to 12 wt thread. No problems.
As to needles, it's Schmetz. All types and all weights. I prefer microtex (it's a sharp).
From the symptoms you describe, I think there might be a rough spot, possibly the throat plate. Mine's been hit, causing a rough spot. Did a little filing. I may have replaced it too. Something to try.