Hello again,

I finally made up my mind on the machine I want (Izzo Alex II) and wouldn't you know Chris' Coffee is out of stock and don't expect new shipments until the end of May. I don't know if I have that much patience. After reading everything I can get my hands on and considering my budget this sounds like the machine I want:
1 - e61 brew group
2 - PID controller
3 - rotary pump
4 - plumb-able later when I dare approach my wife with drilling a hole in her granite counter top.
5 - beautiful well built prosumer machine that should provide years of service and make great espresso
6 - more than adequate steam for milk based drinks, more for my wife I want her to love it too

I have a couple of questions I'd like opinions on.
1 - I had decided to buy it from Chris' Coffee; who else would you recommend for an Alex II purchase?
2 - Undoubtedly I will run into some sort of issue with the machine somewhere down the line and I'd like to have the technical support. Who else provides that level of support?
3 - I'm a pretty technically savvy individual and I'm not scared of learning and troubleshooting complex systems. I do that for a living although mostly computer/networking related but I have a good mechanical background. I would appreciate any leads and if closer to the left coast it would be even better.

Thanks,
jw

It is sort of like talking to myself, no matter sometimes just putting it into words clarifies the thought process.

I made a decision on which machine to buy but now have to wait as it appears Chris' Coffee the source of the Izzo Alex II, the machine I decided on is out of stock. I had to go ahead and pull the trigger as I was already eyeballing the Alex Duetto and I don't need to push my budget any more than I already have. I ordered from Clive Coffee they are distributors for Chris anyway they are on the west coast as am I. It will be a while probably end of May, that will give me time to acquire some of the tools I want/need and learn more about the coffee craft. In the mean time I'll search out some of the better coffee houses in the Bay Area to sample the espresso and establish a bench mark.

I'll post back when I receive my Alex II and provide some feedback to the list.

Thanks,
jw

What about the new VBM from Stefano's, just up the coast highway from you...much closer than NY

I'm actually getting it from Clive Coffee in Portland, Oregon thought they get it ultimately from Chris' coffee in Albany NY.

VIBIEMME Domobar Super 2B 2011 Version 3
Normal Price: $2,649.00
Sale Price: $2,349.00 <--this is why I had to limit the features I can afford to target

No doubt this is a great machine and appears to be on par with the Izzo Alex II Duetto. The dual boiler and ability to power them independently is great. But I am already over my budget and getting one hell of a good machine. I think the Alex II will keep me happy for sometime.

But thanks for the temptation definitely a nice espresso machine

Regards,
jw

John,
I think you'll love the Alex II! I just wanted to mention briefly that we do have an espresso tech on staff who has been working on La Marzocco machines (among others) for 22 years. He can fix just about any issue, home or commercial. If we can't help you, we'll refer you to someone who can.

Mark

Thanks Mark, If only you could make the time pass quicker

BTW I ordered a couple pounds of your coffee last night; Brazil Mogiana French Roast, and Decaf Brazil Mogiana Italian Roast just to try something different. The descriptions sounded like something I would like for single cup pour over Malita filtered coffee.

Looking forward to delivery.

John