Quite honestly, if I could drop that kind of cash I'd probably walk away with a couple instead of plopping it all on one guitar... maybe a nylon and a steel string- or I'd have my dream guitar custom-made. (My tastes in inlay and trim are also pretty conservative, so it could likely be done!)

I think you're in a great position and should try as many as you can. By all means try the Lowdens if you can- I think the cedar top models are especially warm sounding and very playable. i love Taylors, but I don't find their higher-end models to add anything in sound quality (or at best, very little) over the mid-range ones, its just fancier trim.

If you do look at Martins, play as many as you can, too- many are excellent but some just seem to be unexceptional.

Wow, I'm jealous! Keep us posted with what you decide!

Jim