I play a Taylor 614CE that sounds great both acoustically and plugged in. For recording, I never use the pickup as when in that setting; getting the best sound from the guitar itself is always best. However, live it sounds great plugged in. I feel the ultimate goal is to find something that caters to both things well. There are many acoustics out there that sound good plugged in, but if unplugged they sound very, very thin and almost nasal. I have not found too many acoustics that sound great unplugged and don't while plugged in, so I suggest just trying a bunch that meet both needs and work from there.

It truly depends on your needs, but all in all try and find something that sounds great both ways. If you had to pick one from the other, I would suggest making sure it sounds great acoustically before anything else. Good luck! :D