My long-serving Gaggia Classic needs a service - despite descaling and backflushing, I think there's a blockage somewhere between the water reservoir and the brewhead. It appears to work fine, heats up as normal, delivers steam but there is no water flow at all after the 'note' of the pump changes as it normally does when the water hits the resistance of the coffee in the portafilter (I hope I've explained that well enough). It's the sort of change of note one gets when using a blank portafiilter, if that helps.
I have a very reliable local firm who will service it for me, but also have the chance to get an Ascaso Dream for around the £300 mark, or an Isomac Zafiro for £500 or so.
Is either of these a significant step up from the Gaggia or, if not, what would be? I realise this might have been answered ad nauseam in previous threads, but would be grateful for advice. The ability to steam and make espresso simultaneously isn't at all important - it will almost be an exclusive espresso machine, 8-10 cups per day.