I have the 6500 and love it, though I wish I had got the 6600. I also have a small QC4900 which is great for packing up, like them both. However, I have never had anything else as our LQS sells them and services and I didn't want to travel far if i had problems.

Looked to be a great quilters machine.

Have you considered a refurbished machine? I have been looking at them on ebay. I want a second machine that is light and easy to take to classes. I've been looking at a small Janome. I've also seen ones that do more. Something to think about.