While none of them have the snob appeal of Haynes, Powell, Brannen etc, the proof is in the playability and response.

Wow, I guess then that I am a snob because I prefer to play on a Powell in which I know is not going to break down every time I play on it. You are not only paying for the name, but for the quality. Sure, it may sound fine, but is it built to last? It is fine for a non serious student or a casual player. Any of the Sonare flutes that I have played or tried were very unimpressive. The fact that they come with a Powell headjoint means nothing if the headjoint is not very good. I think that a Yamaha standard silver plated headjoint plays better personally. They are not hand made in China. They are machine made in China (or now I think it is Germany) and then the headjoints are made in the Powell factory. I have not tried the newer ones being made in Germany, so perhaps they have made improvements. I would have been ashamed if I were the Powell company being associated with the ones that were made in China.