I was looking at the same price range a little over a year ago. There's a Viking dealer 30 minutes away and a Janome dealer 45 minutes away. I had shopped and taken a couple of classes from the Viking dealer and didn't care for the shop owner (she seemed rude and unhelpful to the customers)...so I decided I did not want to give her my business for the machine...and have to deal with her any time I needed something with regards to the machine. I did research before contacting the Janome dealer and knew pretty much what I wanted. I was really interested in one machine from the Magnolia line (I think it was the most expensive one...don't remember the model number). She didnt carry the Magnolia line at the time and steered me in the direction of the DC2010 which was on sale because the newer DC2011 was coming out (same machine...different color and a couple more accessories). I believe the DC2012 is also the same. I LOVE my DC2010 and would upgrade in a minute to anothr Janomeif I had more time and money but for me (a kindergarten-5th grade music teacher) this machine is perfect. If I were you and you have the transportation and time I would also look for a dealer that offers classes. Mine offers free classes for as long as you own your Janome (classes on how to use it...specific quilt classes are extra). I found these very helpful to figure out just what the machine is capable of.
Good luck on your search!