I started off with a Janome 350e and I liked it a lot however I really wanted a larger hoop - so I sold a ton of stuff and bought the MB-4 which I liked at first then learned to absolutely despise it. I sold that and now have a Brother 4500d and love love love it.
Don't get me wrong I loved my Janome 350e and as long as you are happy with the 5x7 hoop size it's a great, solid machine. I had no issues at all with it. I just wanted that bigger hoop size. I do love my Brother and have had absolutely no problems with it either.