I purchased a Pfaff Grand Quilter 18.8 with an 8 ft frame about a yr ago for approx. $7000 and that price did not include the computer. The dealer also carried the Baby Lock Crown Jewel machine and the price was approx. $12,000 with all the bells and whistles.

Ditto! I have one and love it.
I also have the computer system.

You can go on the web site and price out what you want. They also have used machines for sale.
http://www.nolting.com/

My web site will show you some of the work I've done.
Phyllis
Quilter's Pantry

Since I haven't seen it mentioned, here's the link to the A1:

http://www.a1quiltingmachines.com/index.php

I think the Babylock runs about $12,000.00 give or take. That is in Texas at my lqs but you might find it cheaper. I want to say the Lizzie is about $18,000.00. I thought that is what I saw it for on something. If you contact the companies they will send you a dvd to play & information. When I first saw the machines & frames I got so excited. I wanted the Gamill with the Statler system. It only cost $28,000.00. May be more now. My first house, a 3 bedroom brick cost $25,000.00 new but that was about 30 years ago. But it does seem like a lot of money for an oversized sewing machine. Good hunting.

When I get ready I want to try the Sweet 16 from Handiquilter. Jumping to a full long arm seems a bit to much unless all you do is quilt or want to get in the business. Start small and work your way up.

My DH purchased me a Tin Lizzy XLS in July and he paid $7200 give or take a few dollars. this included delivery and set up I have classes (unlimited) every 2nd Saturday of the month and 1-800 number whre I call the dealer should I run into problems. We purchased it in Albuquerque at Bob's on the West Side. I know you don't live in NM but maybe if you call there he can get you in touch with a reputable dealer in your area. Let me know if you need the number. About the hardest thing I found when searching for a long arm was someone who could tellme how big they were and whether I would have room in my sewing room or not. I didn't want to take the poles on and off. I also did not want a $25,000 machine just something where I would no longer have to pin my quilt. I love my Tin Lizzy. Good luck in your search.

I must have been looking at something else. That is a good price.

You can get a Gammill for MUCH less than $30,000 ... a friend just ordered one for about $14,000 ... which IS still a lot of money but a far cry from $30 K ! It has stitch regulation and everything you can imagine - just not the Statler Stitcher setup

?? The Tin Lizzie models are all MUCH much less than $18,000 ... they are under $10 K and so is the Babylock. If your LQS is charging those kind of prices, you all need to come to Houston or Dallas to buy !

I guess I got a good deal then, I bought my quilting machine 6000.00 in November 2010 and the frame December 2010 (frame is 10 feet) for 1890.00, the list price was 2400.00.
I didn't even know Pfaff mad a quilting machine. We are all learning something :)