I've read and learned so much from HB and found people here are extremely helpful.

This is the first thread I posted and hopefully to get some advises from people here. I'm an intermediate barista, who went through a short course, so I know a little bit of what it takes to make a good shot. I have changed 3 machines over the last two years and I've been happily with my Silvia & Rocky until now.

However, I have been thinking about an upgrade for sometime and I want to make sure that I will see big improvement in shot quality from Silvia and it is the machine that I can enjoy for sometime. I don't want to spend more than 2,000$ for the new machine, but it can be a slightly more for a good reason. I read so many reviews and I thought Brewtus IV is my choice, E61 group, DB boilers, rotary pump, etc, until I had an expert advise that E61 is an old technology that I shouldn't take for grant that is everything. Then I have been introduce to Nuova Simonelli Musica, which say to be a better choice to consider.

After read so much forward and backward before hearing this, I was so sure that I would like to go for E61 over other group style, DB Boiler over HX, Rotary pump over Vibrating pump. However, when hearing from a reliable source that Musica could make as good, or better shot than Brewtus then my brain processor is falling apart now. I would really like to hear opinion from somebody who try both machines before. Which one is better for home use that provide a great shot and perfect steam when need?

Small additional question, in case I change to either of this machine, do you think my Rocky Grinder still good enough for either machine.

Thank you in advance for any advise.

Re Musica shot profile : PID thoughts
Does the person recommending the Musica own one, sell it?

Re e61 : The reason the e61 has lasted so long is its ability to make great espresso.

Re Rocky : it's a marginal espresso grinder. The grinder is more important than the machine. Consider upgrading it first.

Thanks, cafeIKE.

The person own and try several top end machines including Speedster and GS3. He has Brewtus III in stock as well, but recommend to wait for Musica. That's why I wonder, as how a cheaper HX machine will pull a better shot than a good DB E61. I would be interesting to hear opinion from those who try both machines.

About Grinder, do you recommend that I would see noticeable different changing to Macap M4?

The adjustability of the MC4 is much better than the Rocky.
I'd look at a used Super Jolly or the new Quamar M80 as they give more bang for the buck.