I have a Phaff 1473 that is 21 years old, a Juki 98E, a New Home Travel Mate (circa 1994) and a Janome 6500. I love all these machines, but would not buy a Phaff now because they are not made as well as they were years ago. My Phaff needs a new foot board, but I can still use it. I love the Juki for piecing and the Janome for both piecing and general sewing - the Travel Mate I use when I sew away from home. For the amount of features and price, I think the Janomes are your best bet. Of course, Vikings and Berninas are super machines, but too pricey for most pocketbooks.