[cstreit]

UPDATE:

I decided to move forward with the Delonghi Magnifica. Met most of my criteria and was able to buy it locally as a plus. THe best part was that when I went to buy, a manufacturer rep was there demoing the very machine AND I got a $200 spiff discount on the spot which paid for an extended "no questions asked" replacement warranty and $120 back in my pocket. BONUS!

Set it up, ran it through a few cycles.. So far so good. I'll find the settings I like and report back. Thanks for all the insights!

Chris