I seems you ' ve done a little research , which is good . The C 3 Homecare or Kona are both great machines . You are correct that the 228 powerhead is VASTLY superior to the head that comes with the Topaz . The 228 will run you about $ 200 . Sorry you don ' t have a local shop , which makes this next part difficult . The only time I ' ve seen Miele at a Sam ' s Club , is when a large dealer went out of business and unloaded is inventory to Sams . The risk you run here is not having any warranty or dealer support on this machine . If you came into my shop with this , I ' d certainly be asking questions . How far away is the nearest Miele dealer ? <| sep |> Hey uOpencap , We ' ve got a petition somewhere here to get uSpez BTFOdFind sign that and hop on the train , it has no brakes . Here , I ' ll give you a preemptive cost as well . HAVE A COAT , FELLOW PATRIOT !