I just went through this process... it was a huge headache. All I wanted was a comfortable sofa - and what everyone is doing now is lowering the back height and lengthening the seat depth. Even if the seat depth is "normal" - the back is still too low. I'm tall, so it was just annoying. I'll give a run down of my experiences.

Restoration Hardware - Bought tons of stuff there like entrance table, tv console, dining hutch, etc... all good. Their fabric & leather was awful. I was able to return an ottoman from there after 2 weeks because it just look like a bomb hit it after 2 weeks of light usage. It's all made in China and shipped here in crates. they seem to do case goods well but not upholstery... just my opinion.

Crate & Barrel - Not sure if it is out of your price range but I trust their furniture WAY more than Pottery Barn, who can't ever seem to get anything right & also makes uncomfortable furniture. Crate & Barrel also has sofas with similar dimensions to RH but the backs are a little higher.

Room & Board - I just thought the sofas were too crunchy (the down case in the cushion) and the fabrics have had issues (showing wear in a couple of weeks). They were also kind of lumpy and uneven no matter how much you fluffed it or moved around the cushions to other spots. The sales people are really nice in there & not on commission - so they are pretty straightforward. If you like their styles, it is worth it... but don't get down with foam (foam-only is cheaper anyway). I just thought the foam was too firm.

Z. Gallerie - just not comfortable & clearly made badly. They used to be much much better.

Bob's Discount - Everything was weird in there. The leather was basically plastic. Seat cushions didn't stay still...it was like you were surfing just to stay in 1 place on their furniture. They have tons of complaints. It's not worth the savings.

It might help if you go to a furniture store and look at different manufacturers. Below are manufacturers & you'll look have to look on their website for a store near you that sells their stuff.

Bassett - They should be in your price range. I got an ottoman from them after I returned the RH one and this one came out perfectly.

Ashely - Also lower price, but it isn't that comfortable and you have almost no choice of fabric. It's the floor color or maybe one other. They have a lot of choices in frames, though. Should be under $1000 for a 3-seater. (They have their own stores and also sell in other retailers)

Klaussner - In my opinion, better than Ashley but still in your price range. Very popular line for 3-seaters under $1000. Don't expect it to last forever though it should be pretty comfortable. They have 100s of fabrics too which delay the process but you have a huge selection.

King Hickory - Might be out of your price range, depending on what you pick. If you get an in-stock fabric (if the store does this), then it's a good deal because they are much more well-constructed than the names above. You will have this sofa for much longer than the others. Won't be under $1k for a 3-seater.

Smith Brothers - Also kind of expensive & definitely not comfortable. Each cushion has its own spring system so if you lay down or sit between cushions, it feels very odd. Very bouncy & weird furniture sold at a premium for some reason.

There are so many more, but I think that should be in your price range & some are a little above.