What will you use to drive the speakers. I originally started out with WOW1's and I loved them. However, I ultimately decided I wanted something a little more dynamic and upgraded to SongTowers. They are fantastic. My room also used to be a dining room and it's 10x12 and I don't feel that the ST's overpower the space. The WOW1's also had no issue with the space, however they are hungry little speakers and to really get them to open up I would make sure to have at least 100wpc driving them. I'm using a Peachtree Nova (1st gen) and while the WOW1's sounded great it wasn't until a friend brought over a more substantial amp (I believe it was a Rotel around 120wpc) that they really opened up. There's also the Songbirds which will easily come under budget with a standard finish (don't forget shipping costs). The Songbirds also need some power but Jim told me they're more dynamic than the WOW1's, but not quite as much as the ST's due to their extra driver and size. The other option I would consider is the SongSurrounds. These look like a steal at under $1000. They have the same tweeter as the WOW1 and ST, so your vocals will sound about the same, but they may sound more dynamic than the WOW1's due to the larger driver and cabinet. You may want to ask Jim about this, and possibly front-porting them if that's an issue. Plus, at that price point you could add a sub like the SVS SB1000 and still be way under budget. Just a thought. That's a lot of options, but I'm sure they'll all sound great.