The best acoustic guitar I've played lately was a Gibson Kris Krisofferson signature model. It was at Wildwood guitars here in Colorado. I could play anything on it and it sounded good. They kept telling me it need some adjustment and would sound better! From finger picking blues to DADGAD Celtic music it sounded amazing. Very impressive. But it wasn't in my price range and it's long gone.
Having said that, I own three Taylor's. After I got my first, I sold my Martin D-18 that sounded fabulous, but had the worst neck/action. I have a 512, an 812CE and a Rosewood Dreadnaught 12 string with a three piece back from the '80's. They all play so well and sound so good. A little shy volume-wise in an acoustic jam (except the 12 string), but I usually gig with the 812 and use the pickup and a Baggs preamp. (No internal preamp, Thank Dog.)
And having said
that, If I had $3K or there abouts, I'd be visiting the Huss and Dolton shop.
Larivee makes some beautiful guitars as well. A friend used to be a dealer and I came real close to trading my Taylor 12 for one of theirs. Side my side, the Taylor just had something the Larivee didn't.
Play all the acoustics you can get your hands on until one whispers in your ear, "Take me home, big boy..."