I don't think you'd be happy with a 6600 on a frame. It's not going to give you much room. Personally I wouldn't put the 820 on a frame either. I get ahead of the 830 all the time, using the BSR. They're FAST machines, but not as fast as a long arm. You would be irritated with a $2,000 frame. I have the 830 but will want a longarm in the future too.

I would see my Janome dealer and trade it in for the 7700. More spade and not as overpriced as any Bernina. Quality is better also.

You think the 7700 is better quality than a Bernina????? And what is "more spade"? I'm assuming you've test driven an 820 or 830?

Yeah, I'm surprised too. Bernina's are expensive, but fantastic quality.

Keep the 6600P, it is a rock. I have had mine for 4 years. Get the 820 so when a machine is tied up with the quilting process you still have a machine available. That is the same reason I am saving up for a long arm, probably the Avante (18"). I don't want my regular machine to be tied up with a quilt.

as they say,"you only live once" So do it with the best machine you can buy. You will get many years of pleasure.

When I got a small windfall from an uncle, in the 1990's, I bought a Pfaff that would have been out of my price range. The other machine I had was a gift that I had no imput in purchasing. Granted it was much better than no machine, but I was elated to have one with more features.
So buy the machine and happy stitching.

Buy the new machine and keep the other as a backup. I would not put the money in the sugar pot, cause its for you, not everybody.

I bought the 820 when it first came out and am NOT HAPPY with it. Have had a lot of problems and had it back to the dealer several times. The BSR (main reason I got it) doesn't always work well. I'm sure it's a great machine for sewing but I'm happier with my Bernina 440 for quilting. Only problem is the 440 doesn't have the large throat. I paid about $7000 for the 820 and wish I had added 2-3 thousand and gotten a mid-arm or long arm.

Hi,
I have had the Bernina 830 for about a year and a half, and I love it. I agree with Candace, keep another machine for when this one goes in for service. Mine has been in for service for an extended period of time twice.

I look at, as others said, that this is the last machine I am ever going to buy.
At the last minute I bought the 830, and didn't think I would use the embroidery module much. Boy, was I wrong! I love it!

If you are going to go for it, I would consider the 830. Just my humble opinion.