Haynes Q Fusion or Powell Arumite or Muramatsu/Lafin Head

[westro]

hi there.... im in the process of buying a new flute and am down to the following short list - not sure what to go for so tips appreciated. I like a dark rich sound;

- Powell Arumite - really like the flute but top end of budget
- Haynes Q fusion - I haven't been able to try this however read that it produces a good sound and is cheaper than the other gold clad flutes
- Muramatsu GX with a Lafin Silver/14k lip.riser - I tried this combo and it played extremely well, as good as a full concert nagahrara I tried
- Muramatsu DS with lafin head joint as above - I have found a v good value second hand muramatsu in perfect condition however unable to try it (i've tried new ones which I like). This would be the same total price as the GX combo. The only problem is the used one I have found has an inline G/no split E or trill key and C foot. I currently play offset G so not sure if a bad idea to change.

My main question is whether to go for the used muramatsu/lafin combination and take a risk on the flute/not best set up, get the lesser GX model combination which played well, or to go for one of the gold ones. Has anyone tried the haynes Q fusion?Its a shame I cant find the haynes fusion Q to try as thats the best value out of all of them and I would love a gold flute just as it makes the instrument look so beautiful (don't laugh at me!).

Thanks
Any thoughts on above flute welcome.

[isaiahwu]

I'd recommend the Powell or Muramatsu because those brands are very reliable and have a very high standard

Isaiah Wu

[fluteguy18]

Try them. Buy what you like.