Hi Steve,

Don't know if you have already made your decision but thought I would weigh in as I have owned a musica for about 7 months now. This machine is currently being used with a doserless mazzer mini. I pull most of my shots bottomless with a triple basket but also consistently use the single and double baskets with a conventional portafilters. As a Denver local I do use a good amount of Novo espresso to support the home team but my heart is with Herkimer.

I am so, so happy with my musica purchase. My prior machine was a livia 90 and the musica puts that pasquini solidly to shame. It is not really fair to compare these two as the Musica is a PID machine the pre-infuses but aside from PID consistency, the shots I am pulling with this machine have me grinning from ear to ear. This machine was recommended to me by 2 different pro's in the roasting/cupping/judging industry. I trust both of their opinions and both thought that I could not do much better than the Musica unless I wanted to pony up the 6k for a GS3. The only thing that is not working for me with the musica is the hot water dispensing which is a bit violent leaving the wand but as I don't make many americano's that is not too important to me.

If anyone has questions or wants more detailed info about the Musica I'm happy to get into specifics.