I just saw this thread. This is my experience: I have a Husqvarna #1+ which was the Husq top of the line when I bought it -- I have the embroidery unit and all of the embroidery software. I love the Husq for sewing -- heirloom sewing and regular sewing and would never give it up -- but I HATE the quality of embroidery.
so
I bought a Singer XL1000 which was also the top of the line at the time I bought it. I LOVE the Singer as far as embroidery goes but I never use it for regular sewing because I have the Husq for that. The Singer is used solely for embroidery.
Both machines have a ton of built in stitches and both sew beautifully. I am hoping to buy a new singer in the near future -- if my harness sales continue to go well.
I priced a new Singer XL6000 with software and accessories for right at 4,000. The beauty of the Singer XL6000 is that it is upgradeable and has a continuous embroidery hoop for doing long narrow designs.
Hope this helps