Love, love my 8200. Have not had any problems at all. I've had it for about 4 1/2yrs.

I am ordering an 8200 next week. I also have the 6600 and would not part with it , will keep both of them.

This original post is from 2019.....

Thanks for the hint on not using the single hole plate, it makes sense.

The hint was NOT TO USE the ZIG ZAG plate, DO use the SINGLE PLATE.

Getting back to the 8200 vs. 8900.
the 8900 comes with the extension table, 8200 does not -$100 +value
8900 has 100 more built in stitches.
8900 has better/more lighting.
8900 has 1000 SPM the 8200 has 860 SPM....if speed is important to you.(some dealers show 1000spm others 860)
​8900 has last stitch recall, 8200 does not
resale value would be higher on 8900.

The extension table and lighting were most important to me, so opted for the 8900.
ALso purchased from dealer who had a show special, which made my 8900 only $100 more than the 8200, at the time.
the 8200 QCP is now $2000 (easier to find)
The 8900 QCP is now $2400 if you can find new in box.
Best wihes to those shopping for these great machines.

I think you will find it challenging to leave your 6600 behind. Mine is such a workhorse and I find when I want dependable production without too much fuss I always return to it. I upgraded to the 8900 because of the throat space but have found it to be finicky. As already noted, it "eats" fabric; it prefers blue bobbins; it prefers colour-tipped needles; the needle plate used makes a difference. I have also spent a small fortune buying add-ons such as the dual-feed feet since the dual-feed feature is not included on the machine.

My suggestion is to really think about why you want to say goodbye to your 6600 because you will miss it.

The OP started the topic in 2019, so likely has already made the decision ;)

Janome 8200 vs 8900
 

as mentioned two days ago, however, I did see a recent post by someone purchasing an 8200 next week, so maybe some info would help. We have alot of really old posts showing up lately.....gotta watch those dates.