Hi and welcome to the forum
I would avoid purchasing any flute off ebay for starers. I personally prefer the sound of the Yamaha over Pearl, but I do think that with Pearl you get more for your money and they are just a better value over all. Unless you can get a descent used Yamaha, then the new ones are way too pricey in my opinion.
Both are fantastic flutes, so you should really try them both out side by side and see what fits you best as it is a very personal choice.
The Muramatus EX flute is a knock out flute for under $3000, so you might want to look into one of them also. I have also heard very good things about the Brio model. Azumi is simply amazing and I just love those flutes!
Have a look at the Flute World site.
http://www.fluteworld.com/
They carry almost all the major brands of flutes. If you call, Diane is the person to talk to, she knows her flutes and can help you.
Another place is the Flute Center of NY. Now Phil is the guy to talk to there. I have gotten almost all my flutes, piccolos and headjoint through him. He is SO GOOD with customer service and will bend over back wards to help out a customer. I love that guy!! He can set you up with just about anything you might be interested in trying.
http://www.flutes4sale.com/
Now last but not least,if you do want a Pearl flute you can always contact Joe B. at the Pearl Co. He is a regular poster on this forum and I just did business with him which left me very happy.
http://www.pearlflutes.com/
I know for sure that Flute World and Flute Center of NY will send you out a flute for trial too. I am sure that Pearl would also, but I have never asked, so I don't want to say for sure or not.
Best of luck in your flute search!
<Added>Sorry, I meant Muramatsu flute. I was speed tying again. I should know how to spell that one since I used to own one anyway..
