I went out today to test drive those two machines...at two different shops. At the first shop I tried the Crescendo - very nice (I wanted to try the Aria but it wasn't in stock. They don't carry Janome). Then to another shop to try the Janome 8900 ($2499). It, too, is quiet but I think I'm going for the Crescendo ($3499 at the first place, $4200 at the second). I currently have a Viking QE Designer II which I bought off a friend when she upgraded to a Pfaff. The 8900 doesn't have that pivot feature where the presser foot release and I really love that about the Viking. It just pops up when you take your foot off the pedal. I would have to go back to manually lifting the lever at the back of the presser foot or get used to the knee lift. The Crescendo shop will include the new feet for the walking foot and two years worth of service (usually only one year), and free lessons any time. Should I go for it?