I have used Saeco Incanto, Jura Capresso S9. Lots of issues with both.

the Incantos were about $1500 each. I had 2 and they both are in the trash.
The S9 is about $2500 and makes latte/cappuccinos with 1 touch of a button. I sent 2 back under warranty.

Bottom line:

The mechanisms for grinding, tamping, and making espresso in both machines are the same. Everything is plastic. The espressos aren't going to be great, don't buy one for greatness, buy it for simplicity.

The automatic milk frothing machines use steam to siphon milk. Ask any of your engineer friends if the milk will be hot enough with one-pass steam siphon. I've had multiple technicians on the phone from Jura and DeLonghi, and finally they said "the single biggest problem you will have with these automatic frothing machines is temperature." The highest cappuccino cup temperature, following owners manual instructions was 135F. Thats like LUKE WARM!! The highest temp cappuccino following "technician tweaking advice" was 160F. Lattes were coming in at 127F and 160F.

If you think you can get a hot latte from these machines with a press of a button you won't. If you throttle the steam valve you can achieve hot drinks, but then again why would you pay $2500 for a 1-touch machine that you'll have to hand-throttle?

That's awesome aspen... I am really surprised anyone would agree to that.

Selah, I have a Jura Ena 5 and a Giotto and however I absolutely hate the frothing wand it is not automatic and more like the wand found on a Gaggia. I have used it once or twice when I tweak it from time to time for my GF and I would disagree and say I don't think it is nearly as bad as you make it sound.

I mean the Ena 5 does have an auto milk frother but thats dumb because when you don't use it you just hold the cup under the frother, still very automatic and gets the milk very hot. Its just not anywhere near as good as my Giotto.

Well the Silvia just got shipped out today! I should have it is three days and I can start messing with it. I have done a phenomenal amount of research on this model (V3), watched YouTube videos on preparing espresso, etc. Any little secrets out there with this machine?

Great, I'm hoping you have a blast working with... well everything. Also, there are tons of secrets with that machine. People love the silvia and because of that there is an enormous amount of information. My advice because you are just beginning is to just focus on the basics. It can sometimes be frustrating at first if you are looking for that perfect shot and do not require the skill.

So be patient and have fun.

Randy's blog http://www.espressomyespresso.com/ is a great resource for Silvia advice, and information on all things coffee. It's long, but very worthwhile reading. At least read the pages specifically devoted to Silvia if nothing else.

Have you ordered some fresh beans from a good roaster yet? If not, drop everything and do so right away. You'll need to have some good beans on hand when your machine arrives.

Have fun with your new toy, and let us know how it goes.