Originally Posted by mr dave

A Martin is a worthwhile investment and I've never known anyone to regret it. They only get better with age.

The other big name I hear a lot for acoustics is Taylor.

As GB said, go down to the shop, especially if you're looking at a budget that could afford a Martin.

I was also going to mention Godin guitars but their acoustic sub-division is actually Seagull...

One last thing, if you're concerned with getting something and then finding out a month later you think the tone sucks why not just rent it for a month? It's a little more expensive but it would make it easier to really find something you like.