Gawd....I guess I hang with the wrong crowd. I must be one of the poor relations here among the coffee nuts.
I have a Krups. Real basic espresso/steamer. It makes espresso as well as any espresso I have ever tried. Ground beans go in, steming water passes through and comes out into the little pot.
If I want Cappucino..the little steamer thing froths the milk as good as any coffee shop I have ever been to.
The only thing I have ever found that makes a difference in espresso and espresso drinks, is the brand and grind of the coffee.
Probably ran me $29 ten years ago. Sorry, but I sort of have better things to dump "Less than $1000" on.
Like....cigars.