I would never buy another machine without an automatic thread cutter. I have a Elna 7200 Quilters Dream and it's in your price range. (Made just like the Janome's)

Thread Cutter on my new machine is the best feature.

Look for the Viking (I think its the 830) It does all the things a quilter needs to do. Check on Craig's list in your area, and watch for gently used machines online. You will find just the right one if you just keep looking

I would recommend either a Pfaff with the IDT feature (you won't need to buy a walking foot). You might check for used ones at a reputable dealer or if you are confident in cleaning a machine, check out Ebay. The other machine I would check out is the Elna, model 6003 or 6005. I would not buy a newer model of either of these for myself because they are now made by another company which I won't mention here. I own both and love them both. The Elna is my overall favorite and the feet are not expensive. You would need to buy a walking foot for the Elna but not for the Pfaff.

You can't go wrong with a Janome. The 6600 is as good as it gets. I paid $1549 for mine 5 years ago, don't know what they sell for now. The 6500 is the same quality, just fewer features. You can get a very nice machine for $1500, so you don't have to shop at Walmart, or resort to a straight stitch only machine. I always quilt with a decorative stitch, and obviously that would not be possible with one of those. If you had other machines to use, a one stitch only might be a good idea. IMHO, only.

Bernina's are NOT the dependable machines they used to be. My 710 is going back for the second time and I have only had it 2 months. For $3500 this should not be happening.

Sounds like you are getting some excellent advice (as I knew you would). Good luck on your machine search.

It sounds like you like the Brother brand. If the current machine still does the work for you, why not invest in the walking foot? It sounds like you are happy with the Brother brand, so there are high odds that you might get a different Brother and you could use the foot again. I am a Baby Lock fan and cannot say enough good things about my "Quilla" - They also take Brother feet and accessories.

Agree with whoever said that $1500 is not high end. Sad but true. My Baby was a bit over $2k and she is considered "mediocre" - for me she is fabulous!

Now, if you WANT to buy a new machine, I would suggest writing down the features you need. Then start checking which brand/model supports your must haves.
For me they include:
Needle up/down
Needle position
Motor speed control
Large throat
Large table
Free arm
Walking foot (built-in preferred)
Excellent stitch quality (particularly blanket stitch for applique)
Independent bobbin winder
Built-in cutter
Automatic threader (Baby Lock's is FABULOUS!)
Not picky with threads (some machines are very persnickety)

I would not buy a Viking, Singer, or Pfaff, because they are owned by a holding company and their first goal is to make money - not quality or customer service.

I absolutely love my Viking sapphire and I was able to get it at the Vermont Quilt Festival for about $800!!! Large throat , lots of different stitches, comes with a variety of feet! This is my second Viking and I love it!

I purchased a new Janome MC6600 in November for $999 at my LQS plus they will also service it when or if it needs it. It does everything but cook dinner. I haven't had the opportunity to try all the stitches but I've played around with a few and I have FMQ'd small projects (baby blankets and table runners) and I LOVE my machine.

Talk to your dealer about floor models, and open box machines. I just recently purchased the Babylock Serenade for a fraction of what it cost new, and its an open box. Its basically brand new, never been out of the box, same warranty as brand new too. And it never hurts to ask them about these, you can get some real bargins. Good luck.