Husqvarna/Viking Sapphire 830 or Janome MC6600p ???

Which to choose? I love the look of the Husqvarna, and all that space for quilting (what I really want to do), but it doesn't seem to get very good reviews on the net, so after more reading I had decided that Janome was the way to go and went down to our local shop this morning to order it, THEN the lady in the shop told me that they have never sold one of the Janome's, but have sold around 50 of the Husqvarna's and never had a complaint. Argh! Now I'm stuck. I really need to decide this week because there are Mother's Day specials to save a few dollars and they end on the weekend. Help! 

Oh - and does the built in even-feed thingy on the Janome really work as well as a walking foot? And does the i inch of extra space on the Husqvarna make that much difference?

I'm actually planning on getting the MC6600 myself, as I recently had a chance to borrow my mother's MC6500 and it was wonderful.  The even feed feature is AMAZING.  I couldn't believe how easily it went through layers of fabric while maintaining a nice, even stitch. 

Thanks for replying Elizabeth.   I'm still leaning toward to Janome too. I love the idea of the even feed - not so keen on it not having a free arm and it apparently weighs a tonne. I have to decide this morning...what to do...what to do...

I'm still searching for a new machine.  I looked a little at the Sapphire.  I read a few things that indicate they might have tension issues.  Did you find that too?

Yes I read that too, which is what turned me off them, although the lady in our local shop said that she has sold around 50 of them and there haven't been any issues at all...which just made my decision all the more difficult. Quite a few people seemed to have trouble with the needle threader too, but that doesn't bother me too much because I can never figure out how to work those things and have to get out the manual and fiddle about and by then I could have threaded the needle a dozen times anyway.

So...I ordered the Janome. *gulp* Hope I've made a good decision. At least I don't have to think about it anymore...it was driving me a bit batty! 

I'm so excited for you!  I have to wait a couple months for mine (have to save up).  Please tell us what you think when you get it. 

I will! Apparently it should arrive tomorrow (Friday) or Monday. I hope Monday because we have visitors for the weekend and I won't be able to get it out and play.   I ordered the ditch quilting foot at the same time. I'd never heard of them before, but maybe it will help improve my 'wobble around the ditch' style of quilting.

Congratulations on your new machine!  Please do share what you think of the Janome.  I myself bought the Husqvarna/Viking Sapphire 870 and LOVE it.  The only tension problems that I've had so far is when I've been quilting for about two hours and it heats up, it'll make a funny noise or start tangling.  All I do, is restring both top and bobbin and it's good to go for another couple of hours. Have fun on your Janome!

I don't know anything about the Husqvarna/Viking Sapphire, but I just recently purchased my Janome MC6600p and am loving it!  I did a fair bit of research and took the plunge on the Janome. I have NEVER spent that much money on myself (besides my car.)  The other day my husband (who is a very frugal guy) says to me - I really glad we bought that machine for you.... Here's hoping it lasts me a lifetime, and I hope yours does too.  Let us know how you find it.

Busyquiltmom - I'm glad you love yours! Reading that kind of thing makes me glad that I chose the Janome, although I really did like the sound of the Husqvarna too. I know what you mean - I've never spent that much money on anything for myself either (they seem to be more expensive here in Australia too). I can pick it up on Monday - yay!

I don't have that particular model but I bought my Janome sewing machine in March and adore it. It has been just a dream to sew on.

I have a Janome 6500P and love it... had it for years.. would be lost without it...  I don't do much quilting so I did not upgrade to the 6600P... I asked the dealer at the Huston Quilt show, he said for what I sew he didn't think I really need to upgrade. 
Maybe I missed it in the post... but which machine are you going to get, did you say... sorry if I missed it somewhere.

Hi, I just HAD to post about the problems with the Husqvarna Viking machines.  I purchased a Lily several years ago, and it worked great, I sewed with it every day for 5 years before getting a new machine.  Two years ago I bought the Viking Platinum 755 Royal, and like many readers have said about the newer Sapphire, the tension starts fouling up after sewing for a couple of hours, and you can sew a very loooooong time before discovering this since it only shows on the bottom of the fabric, not on the top.   Very irritating!!!  I also am experiencing problems with getting it to sew over several layers of fabric, as in hemming a narrow rolled up hem, and I also detest using that stupid tool they provide to "help" you get over the bumps.  Do ALL sewing machines have that problem of going over "bumps," or is it just the Vikings?  I am now going to go research the Janome MC6600p, as several of you have suggested.  Perhaps my Viking days are over now!!!  I am so disappointed.  I hope those of you who purchased the Janome will report back here about your experiences.  Or, I can be emailed at diane@nativeamericanstarquilts.net if you'd like to drop me a line.

I just recently bought a new Viking/Husqvarna, although a much lower levl model than the one you are considering.  I bought the Scandinavia 200, and I have to say, I don't love it.  First, the buttonhole is awful.  It almost never comes out right using their "four-step" memory feature.  Second, I often have problems with the bobbin thread getting all caught up in the beginning when I start sewing.  I know this "leader" problem happens with a lot of machines, but I feel like it happens more with me.  Third, the extra feet made by Viking are expensive!!  Finally, I feel like the machine has tension problems as a whole.  It just feels wonky.  I don't regret the purchase, because I only spent about $300 on the machine, and wasn't in a position to spend a lot more, but when I am ready to upgrade I will probably look at the Janome 6600.

I just bought a Husqvarna Viking Sapphire 830 yesterday. I haven't been able to play with it as I shipped it to a different address. I was really impressed with it in comparison to the other machines I saw in the store. I was also considering the older models  in the Viking group because now they make the machines in China, but in the end I bought the Sapphire 830. Some of the posts have been pretty negative in regards to the machine. All machines come with their ups and downs. Can anyone lay out the positive and negative aspects of the sapphire 830. It was a pretty intense purchase money wise, and it would be great to get some reassurance from anyone that has the machine. : )