Hi there, I do hope mamianka finds your question, since she will be the best one to answer- but here's my two cents:
Brand wise you can't go wrong with either of those, Pearl and Yamaha both make great flutes.
As far as I know, the Yamaha is a student flute, since the 200 series are the entry level ones.
However, upon some closer research, I noticed that the Pearl seems to be of better quality, (in my opinion) so I would get that one. Since you said the flute is 3 years old, I suggest you take it for a COA (clean, oil, adjust) before you play it.
The 501 series comes in a variety of models, so you need to determine whether you need a Plateau, C foot, split E or a Open hole, B foot, Offset Split E (and that's just two of the six available).
So yes, I'd go with the Pearl, but the Yamaha is good to!
Good luck!
xoxox
