I use brothers for class. The cs6000i is a good model, my SIL loves hers. I have the SQ-9050 which is similar in features. I haven't sewn on a janome so can't comment on those but haven't had any problems with my brothers even my mechanical xl-3500i gives me a good stitch. All my brothers have been reliable and served me well

Do you use the needle up/down feature a lot? If so, the Brother .But if not, I'd get the Janome. A mechanical one will be much sturdier for lugging and traveling back and forth to class, parts are interchangeable with your current machine, and
It's just hard to beat the Janome reputation. That said, I take my Janome DC 1050 to class. Love the needle up/down feature, speed control, and quietness as compared to my old Kenmore mechanical (which I also love and was probably made by Janome).

I would recommend the Brother. I've had no problems with mine and it's been put through its paces. I had a Janome years ago and I didn't like it at all. I even stopped sewing for a while because it consistently jammed.

I think either would be a good choice. Make sure you try them both. I'm strictly a Janome girl. Sees to be the best buy for the money and for me have been trouble free - unless you don't keep the bobbin area clean!

I love both machine makes. Given a choice I would say go for the easiest to carry to class. Some locations need so much walking to location from car and occasionally upstairs.

I had a Janome Gem and didn't like it. Hated the fact it only had three stitch lengths, no carrying handle, and the stitch quality was poor. And this is coming from a Janome/New Home owner for the past 35 years. I sold it and purchased the Brother cs6000i and love it. Actually, I piece on the Brother a lot since it is so light and will fit on a TV tray. The throat is small, but for piecing and decorative stitches for the binding, I don't think it can be beat. Amazon currently sells it for $139.00.

check out local dealers so you can test drive both machines.
you might even find one you hadn't considered but like better.

i am a janome user, but my brother friends swear by theirs, too.

i used to be a "big box" buyer when looking for a new machine.
i have since decided that going with a dealer is better, even though the price might be higher.
you can test drive a machine at a dealer. can't do that at a big box or online store.
you will usually get a better warranty from a dealer. they might even throw in free extras you won't get elsewhere.

in the end, let it boil down to getting the most machine you can within your budget.
i think you'll be happy either way.

i love my brother cs6000i. i carry it to my weekly quilting group.

This is an excellent point since some feet are soooo expensive!