Muramatsu EX {I have a love affair with this flute! It's price might be a little above what you are willing to pay, but it is well worth it I promise}. Sankyo 201 {also a great flute, but I prefer the Muramatsu}

Completely agree!
I have both Sankyo and Mura. My Sankyo is a K14 with a Nagahara head. I love to play it with the original NRS1 head too.
My Muramatsu EX-III (with a Tsubasa headjoint) is so good! It was supposed to be my backup flute. I like this flute so much that I actually alternate them. It also weights much less than my gold Sankyo, then when those tiring days come and get me, I have no doubt...

Haha! My teacher likes it almost as much as his 15k Brannen. It has such a sweet, resonate, and full sound. It also has a awesome, strong mechanism. Definetely one of the best Pre-professional flutes out there. I'm glad you think so too, Zevang.

I'm really glad I can help :-)

My mom picked out my flute and it was a antique. I thought it would sound funny. But it sounded greater than everyones flute. Try to find a old flute the two recommended stores
1) Beacocks
2) Music world

The problem with some old flutes is that they are on the older A=440 scale while the newer ones are tuned to A=442 to keep up with the fact those orchestra strings often go so sharp. In that respect, newer = better than older. I had to pass on a 1970s Haynes, my dream flute, partially for that reason.

My advice: Get the most expensive flute you can afford. It'll pay off in the long run whether you plan to go pro, play as a hobby or sell it.

For me personally I really don't care for the intermediate line up like azumis, lyrics etc. You can find a used pro flute like Sankyo, Muramatsu, Miyazawa or Altus far around the same price. Sometimes cheaper if you're willing to give up things like a b foot or french keys.

If you rly want the best bang for your buck I'd personally buy used.

I agree with above. try to get the most expensive brand as you can. otherwise just stick with student flute like Yamaha 221 or 211 and save up, good flute they are. intermediate is just more money to spend...

"My advice: Get the most expensive flute you can afford."

And my advice: The above is the WORST advice to an aspiring student flutist.

Time and time again this is demonstrated in these very forums. It is the KIND of flute feature -- and not the COST of that flute feature -- that is important to an individual flutist.

New Voice flute.. $1250