Jimmy, you mentioned a "deeper" tone. I'm not entirely sure what you are after there, but you might consider a cedar top guitar.
Not many companies offer it, but it has a warm, mellow sound, not as bright as spruce.
I lucked into this one, as my local store in Denver had one, and I fell in love with it:
http://www.simonandpatrick.com/woodlandcedar.htm
This is a Godin family guitar. I'm not suggesting it's better, but it is different, and may be worth looking into if you can get your hands on one.

Hi Robert, 
Thanks for the link.  I am very close to buying the Epiphone Masterbilt DR-500MCE from Sweetwater. They have a good return policy, 2 year warranty, good pricing, no out of state tax, free shipping, etc.  
The DR 500MCE looks very well made and I like the split pickups as well.  
 
The EJ 200CE was a close runner up but I really want a solid top this time around.  This will probably be my last acoustic guitar purchase for a very long time...
 
I am going down to the local music store to see if they have one to try and to give them a shot at the price.  I will let you all know when I finally decide.  They might have something interesting to show me as well.
 
Jimmy 

Hi to all, 
I ordered the Epiphone Masterbilt DR-500MCE from Sweetwater today.  It comes next Wednesday. 
I decided I wanted a solid wood guitar, dreadnought style, with pickups.  This guitar should be just what I wanted even though I went over my original budget.
Sweetwater let me pick the exact guitar I wanted by showing me detailed pictures of it online.  
They also put the guitar through  a fair amount of tests to make sure it is ready to ship.
Here's a pic they sent of it before they boxed it up:
http://screencast.com/t/RyZiaUfwb
 
Thanks again for everyone's input - it helped a lot.
 
Jimmy
 
 
 
 

Rimshot
Hi to all, 
I ordered the Epiphone Masterbilt DR-500MCE from Sweetwater today.  It comes next Wednesday. 
I decided I wanted a solid wood guitar, dreadnought style, with pickups.  This guitar should be just what I wanted even though I went over my original budget.
Sweetwater let me pick the exact guitar I wanted by showing me detailed pictures of it online.  
They also put the guitar through  a fair amount of tests to make sure it is ready to ship.
Here's a pic they sent of it before they boxed it up:
http://screencast.com/t/RyZiaUfwb
 
Thanks again for everyone's input - it helped a lot.
 
Jimmy
 

 
Congrats on your purchase, Jimmy! I am a bit jealous now - do keep us posted when you receive it. :)
 
I pick Sweetwater every time I have the option - they're the best I've dealt with by a long shot. Being able to pick the exact guitar that you want by SN and receiving the pictures of your purchase in an extra step which I really appreciated. That and the candies in the box, even though I don't eat candy. :)
 

Thanks much Rain.  The actual pictures of my guitar blew me away!  I have about 6 pics and even one showing the serial number from inside!  I look forward to learning it and putting through some recording scenarios.  I will be using it live as well.  Woot Woot!
 
 

Nice!

Very cool. Your original budget was a little cozy for something you would truly be happy with. I think you will be glad you made the push.
Sweetwater is a great outfit to deal with. Their best advertising is us, the legion of satisfied customers.
Looking forward to hearing it in action.

Hey Jimmy , 
 
i think its great that you decided to go with the Epiphone Master Built ……excellent choice 
 
Kenny

Mike, Robert, and Kenny - thanks much.  I too am glad I stretched out to get this instrument and it makes me feel good that you all think it a good choice as well. 
 
Jimmy

Enjoy the new geeter Jimmy.