I can't comment on that particular model, but I bought a pre-owned BL Espire last fall and I love it! The machine I had (still have, actually) was a 10 year old Brother sewing/emb combo. The Espire is from the Quilter's Dream series, so it has lots of features for quilters!

Things I love about it that the Brother doesn't have:
- setting to automatically raise the presser foot when you stop sewing

- very large extension table

- straight stitch throat plate

- 4 or 5 specialty quilting feet for both piecing and quilting

Have fun shopping!

Donna

I just gave my BL Espire Quilters Dream to my daughter. I believe the Symphomy is very similar. It had many very nice features and the best needle threader that I have used but it was nothing but a frustration for me. I had always used a Janome. I found I didn't like the stitch quality of the BL and had a difficult time sewing over any thing that had cross seams or had variable thickness. I often found myself going back to my Janome (my back up machine) to finish a project.
I debated on buying another Janome but decided to try Pfaff. I am still learning to use it but it does sew over thick areas without an issue. It has the worst needle threader I have used but I guess I will live with it. I still like Janome. Not everyone is looking for the same thing in a machine and I think having good service is the most important feature when buying a new one.