OP can probably fit some previous gen Martin Logan Motion series speakers in that budget. Two Motion 15i bookshelves and a Motion 30i center for right around $1000:

https://www.amazon.com/Martin-Motion-Center-Channel-Speaker/dp/B07YCWPY3X

https://www.safeandsoundhq.com/collections/martin-logan/products/martin-logan-motion-15i-bookshelf-speaker-open-box-each

Their claimed sensitivity is supposed to be 91-92dB. No idea what their real world sensitivity is like. But they have a reputation for being efficient.

Klipsch RP speakers might also be an option. Though according to Erin, it's usually a good rule of thumb to subtract 6dB from Klipsch's rated sensitivity to arrive at a more realistic number.