I admit I know nearly nuttin about strings these days, but I do the same as Kaylee, Martin Marquis Lights. I am the lucky part owner of one ringin MartinDM. It has now settled down and I try to fingerpick a few old favorites like Rubber Dolly etc...

I used play an Aria Acoustic, it rocked! - preferred any old bronze wound. So it depends on what you are playing.

I know very little about the big names except the box I now play. Since I am a like case of G-A-S I tend to avoid shops containing good brands.