I don't know the diff. between the Simply Sixteen and the HQ16 or if there is a difference but I have a couple of friends that have the HQ16 and they LOVE them! Just LOVE them! We have an A-1 but I did look at the HQ16 before going to the Houston Show one Fall & trying out all of the machines. Ever brand in the market will be there. But I have never read a bad thing about the HQ16. There is a Handiquilter forum I think.