I also have the Janome 6600 with a start/stop button. Love love love my machine! It also has a "knee-lift" bar for the foot so you can pick up the foot/turn fabric without moving your hands. I think mine was less than $1500 a few years back. I got it because it fulfilled my current needs of a semi-newbie, but it was fancy enough that I can see myself growing into it without having to upgrade for many many years. A good balance.