I have a Topaz 20. I have had it for 1 year. It took me a while to learn how to "trouble shoot", but I love it. I would recommend it to anyone.

I have an older Brother 8500 (which was the top of the line years ago and which is like the Babylock Esante I think). It is great and is a sewing and emb. machine. If I could afford it, I would buy the Brother or Babylock (same company) 6 thread machine!!!
Good Luck and tell us what you buy.

I have a Janome 9700 and I love it both for sewing and embroidery.

I would go with the Topaz 30 over the 20 if you can swing it. The 30 gives you a bit more room for larger hoops. The Topaz's only drawback is its small LCD screen, but its a super machine. I pl;ayed with one a few times at the Viking dealers and have seen many of them leaave the store with customers. Other than size they can do what the Diamond model can do. We bought the Diamond and could not be happier. Look around there are some great deals to be had new from dealers. The machines sold on Eba for less money is a bargain if you do not mind that contrary to what they sa they are not warranted, due to how tjhey were sold, as Husky does not authorize any internet sales of ANYTHING. So what they do is drop the warranties the items have.

Go to your local Brother dealer before you purchase a machine. These machines are so user friendly that out of the box you can be embroidering without classes. I have the Brother Innovis 4000D and really love it.