I don't know anything about the higher-end machines, but I had a bare bones machine that gave me nothing but trouble. I kept it as a spare, but my new machine is a Bernina.

I"ve got the Janome Memory 4800 and I love it. Have had it 4 years and used it all the time.

I would sell you mine, complete with the table if you lived closer. I am wanting a longarm for quilting. I think you can google 'Janome' and they will show you all the dealter or go on ebay and look.

So glad this was posted for i have been wondering the major difference between the two as I am getting ready to purchase a new machine in the next few weeks. thank you I had it narrowed down to the Janome 6500 or 6600 and now I know the difference. Cant wait to go to the dealer and try one out.

I have 2 Janomes - the MC3000 (from 1997) and the 6600P. If you're considering the 6500, spend the extra and go for the 6600P. It has the built-in even feed system that the 6500 doesn't have. That feature right there is worth the extra $$$.

Merry Christmas!

I very recently bout the Memory Craft 9500 Embroidery-sewing machine and it is great so far. I bought it because the little Janome Gem machine worked so well. I think you will love it

I wish I had gotten a Janome instead of the Bernina I had. I would probably still have an embroidery machine.

Give us a hint where you live and one of us might be able to help you. I live in NJ (USA) and bought my Janome 6600 at American Sew and Vac in Princeton. I know that Quilting Possibilities in Forked River NJ also sells them (and undoubtedly others around here).

I paid about $1300 for my 6600 last January... you might get a better deal now, since the Horizon came out. Consider a used machine; many Janome lovers traded their 6500/6600s for the Horizon.

I have a Janome 8000 which I bought 20 years ago and it has been a work horse. I just bought a Horizon and I really love it. Since I use the walking foot a lot but had to change it on the 8000, I love the built in walking foot on my new one.

I have the 6600 and just love it. It does tend to "unthread" itself, which is my only complaint.