I’ve had this machine for 2.5 months now and love it! There is a slight learning curve as you really have to follow instructions to dial in the right grind, temp, and dose to get the proper extraction. It brews a great coffee every time and makes coffee that I have been drinking for years taste fuller as it extracts every note/flavor. I highly recommend it for the espresso enthusiast! If you’re thinking it’s too much$$, I actually think it’s an incredible deal for what you’re getting! The excellent quality of the machine is very noticeable and it does look and feel like a traditional Italian machine. Other Italian brands comparable to this one start at double, and are far more complicated to use. Over the holidays, it’s where everyone gathered around as I made espressos, lattes and espresso martinis for everyone! Again, LOVE this machine! 
Also, great machine to do some nice latte art!