I bought the Janome Horizon 7700 this summer. I love it. I always had very basic machines before. Love the automatic plate changer, the up/down button, the decorative stitches. Especially like the 15 feet, I think having the right foot does the job better. I love choosing a stitch and the computer suggests the foot, stitch length/width, needle plate and feed dog position. Lower dog feeds with a switch on side of machine. Have used fine embroidery thread and 30# thread and have had no problems. I always use the same thread in the needle and bobbin. I spent 2 days at my sewing center sewing on the 6600 and the 7700. I think the 6600 was probably a better buy for the money, but I was working on a quilt and the large harp (11.5" wide x 4.75" high) on the 7700 was easier to move the quilt through. I have been having fun and sewing more than ever. I would buy it again. I'd love to try a Bernina, but no one around here sells them, I agree about having a good dealer.