Frankly, i wasn't blown away by the new 800 Series bracing either; it's OK, but I think I was expecting more from it, given the press hype it seemed to be receiving... The only guitar I have utilizing it is my 2014 714ce-FLTD in Blackhearted Sassafras.
I think the main thing Adirondack bracing gives you -- regardless of the bracing scheme -- is better flexibility out of the guitar's soundboard (i.e., the top) without sacrificing the strength. This just allows the top -- whatever the wood -- to be more responsive when played. I don't think it affects the tonal properties, per se; it just gives you more response from the soundboard for a given input.
Now, using Adirondack Spruce as the soundboard is another matter. It will have different tonal characteristics than Sitka Spruce. I can only recall playing one Taylor guitar with an Adirondack Spruce top on it: a Custom DN (Mahogany back/sides) that I was comparing to a 510 (which had an Engelmann Spruce top). In the end, I preferred the Engelmann-topped guitar and wound up with a 510ce; the Adirondack-topped custom sounded a bit too 'harsh' to me. But based solely on that experience, and your description of what you want out of the guitar ("... a punchier, crisp sound, with overtones..."), Adirondack might be what you're looking for. It will certainly give you more of those qualities than Sitka would...