The one machine I haven't seen mentioned in the under $1500 price range is the Juki f600. If I didn't have WAY more machines than I needed/wanted, this would be my choice. I do have the Juki 2010Q and used the heck out of it before I bought my Grace frame. I believe the f600 falls into the same semi industrial category as the Juki straight stitch.
As It is, I have a BL Serenade that has all the bells & whistles I wanted, but is now discontinued. If you could find a good used one, it would be well under your budget. Also, a preowned Symphony or Espire would also be in your price range. I recently got a preowned BL Symphony that I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!
I have officially stopped buying machine, honest!