This Denner model has a split hole 3, but no split on hole 4. This makes F# much easier compared to the rather clumsy fingering needed with a split hole, so that's a good feature for rapid scales. The baroque flute fingering for F# (1234--Eb) works perfectly, so that's a bonus for players transferring between instruments.
The tone quality can stay strong and penetrating up into the higher notes, which could be a desirable quality for orchestral playing.
I found both Tony as instrument maker and Belinda as reed maker to be very helpful and personally interested: their contact details are part of the paperwork that comes with the instrument.
There are no "entry level" baroque oboes: as with oboes in general, even beginner instruments are quite expensive. My impression, as a beginner on the oboe with advanced skills on other wind instruments, is that this is a good quality instrument, and my teacher agrees. CADCAM turning machines have been used to reduce the man hours in making the instrument, and this saving has been passed on to the customer, making this is a cheaper instrument than many of similar quality.
One of the reeds from Richmond Reeds that EMS supplied as part of the package was split on arrival.