I have been playing on a Howarth s25 for the last three years. I was told late last year (around October) that I was almost as far as I could get with the instrument I have and would probably need a newer, more advanced model.
Now I'm studying oboe at University and I'm considering buying a new one soon to start breaking it in for next year.
I really like my Howarth and I'm wondering what the differences are between their S50C and S5 apart from the price. Are there other brands I should consider?

Thanks

Google the oboe bboard. This is a forum of many professional oboeists and will have all the information you need. One of the frequent posters is called chris p. He was an oboe finisher at T.W. Howarth and what he doesn't know about oboes is not worth knowing.