I went in not knowing anything about acoustics. Spent hours and hours at many shops playing everything that looked good. Ended up first with a Martin 000-15M (I LOVE the sound of all mahogany for playing and singing in a small room) and then added a D-28 (2017 reimagined) for when I really want to rock out unplugged.
I tried a few Taylors, as well as Gibsons and others, all in the $1000 to $4000 range.
I disagree that Taylor is like PRS in everything except the fact that came in late and established themselves as a respected brand. I liked the tone best on the Martins and Gibsons, and Martin had the best neck profiles for me. If I could only have one acoustic guitar, I'd custom order a 000-18 and spec it with mahogany top instead of spruce, but the regularly available 000-15 is very, very close. Like my PRS McCarty, it is my favorite acoustic guitar.