I have a Baby Lock Espire (now "Symphonie") and it went for just over $2K. It is a wonderful machine and hopefully one that will last me a LOOOOOONG time. That said, I know there are really good machines out there for around $1k. The trick is to identify your must-have features. Then go out and test drive.
If a machine has trouble going over heavy seams, there is a Thing-a-ma-gig that helps get over the seam.
My must have is needle up/down, needle sideways position change, good lighting, large throat, motor speed, and good stitch quality on the blanket stitch. Everything else is gravy.