Whilst I am not overly envious as yet of those who have an HX/E61/double boiler etc machine, I can say that I almost poured a full rosetta in my lahtay this morning - all this with a little Saeco Via Vanezia! I would still suggest that, as a starter, this machine is great, and should give most owners a respectable level of upgradeitis. That is, the want to upgrade in the continual search for the perfect espresso, not out of frustration. AND, I must say the learning curve, both in terms of the espresso and milk texturing has been fantastic (I take my stop watch with me whenever I take the machine somewhere). Anyway, there's a Gaggia 3 group lever vintage machine on eBay for about $9,500! (Anyone got any spare cash they can donate to me? ;D) Patrick
