Regardless of which direction you plan to orient the system room treatments can do wonders for a smaller space, making it behave like a much larger space.
if orienting on the narrow side I’d suspect first reflection point absorption would be key. If orienting the other way front and rear wall treatments would be a bigger deal.
i have a smaller space and with substantial room treatments it has proven to be an exceptional space. I found a used pair of Vandersteen Treo CT’s just above your budget and with the right amplifier (zero or minimal feedback), they’re quite special.

