I'm not an expert on this subject. However, I purchased a Yamaha acoustic/electric several years back and haven't regretted it for a moment. Plays great, sounds great and blows away anything else I've ever heard plugged into the PA. I have bandmates who've each purchased a Taylor (sucked) and a Tacoma (really sucked). Mine is from the "Compass" series, but I wouldn't be surprised if this line doesn't exist anymore.

The Martin DCX-1E is a great buy in my opinion. At $640 it's tough to find another guitar that has equal tone (first), feels real nice in your hands and has quality Fishman electronics.

As a Martin owner I don't typically tout the lower end Martin's but the DCX series has always impressed me for the money.