Depends on what features you want :)

I do a lot of machine appliqué as well as quilting, so for me, auto-pivot is a 'must'. Not to have this feature on my machine would be like washing dishes by hand, lol.

That, and the built-in walking foot for straight (as opposed to FMQ) quilting. Therefore, Pfaff all the way! I have the QE4.0 and the Performance 5.

Pfaff Performance 5.0 - the built in IDT is much better than putting on and taking off the accufeed feet on the Janome 6600.

I am amongst the Janome believers... I purchased my 6600 almost 5 years ago and it pieces and sews beautifully and I have had no issues FMQ smaller projects (baby quilts, runners, twins and laps) but I recently took the leap and purchased the 8900. Not only does the extra few inches of throat space make a difference it FMQs like a dream.

I was feeling guilty about keeping both machines but I just can't part with my 6600. I would make sure if you are looking for a new machine, you test drive one and also consider how far your dealer is if you need service. If you are interested in FMQ, make a couple small sandwiches and take them when you test drive.

Love my Janome 8900. So many bells and whistles

I vote with Inspectorcmm!

Another happy pfaff owner here. I love the stitch quality, the auto-pivot , the idt, the free motion foot and the lighting. The performance 5.0 is my newest machine.
We all seem to find machines that we love but I really think you need to try different ones to see what one seems best for you. Maybe there isn't a BEST machine for everyone but there are features that will frustrate you to no end and ones that will make your sewing time a pleasure.

I second all of this! I have this machine too and just love it. It's pieced and quilted many quilts.

Pfaff. Lots of machines with 10" throat (250 mm), Integrated Dual Transportation (IDT) which means no need for walking foot, and 9 mm stitch width. I love my Quilt Expression.

Another vote for the Pfaff QE 4.0. Easy to operate and lots of nice options too. I like the IDT and the ability to pivot fabric the best, and it has sooo many stitches.

I loved my Janome 6500 then my 6600 until it failed miserably in making my dress for my son's wedding. No longer a Janome girl - Pfaff 5.0 and Passport for me.