Switch from Centaur Major to Stages?

[markm]

I am a happy owner of a pair of Centaur Majors, but have a chance to buy a set of Stages. I was a previous owner of Duetta Sigs, and know how seamless the fullrange ribbons sound, but of my 3 (yes, 3!) pairs of Duetta Sigs, two of them suffered from some of the dreaded buzz on certain tracks with deep bass.
Of course I no longer have this issue with the Majors with their cone bass.
My main motive for swapping is partly the smaller size of the Stages, as the Majors with their height do impose on the room!
So, are their any opinions out there to help me decide whether I should stick to my Majors, or whether I could be getting a better sound by going to the Stages plus gaining some room back!?

[Vansloneker]

I've never heard the Majors, but from what I've read I have the idea they are in a different league from the Centaurs and the Minors. They are rarely offered and if, for substantial more money then the other two C's.

The Stage does have imho great bass and is highly appraised for it's mid-range. But there are no replacement bass foils available by reasonably terms. Physically they may be lower then the Majors, but they are wider and I feel they have a much more plump appearance as the smaller C's have. From a stylistic point of view the division of the front and the small opening for the ribbon also makes them less obtrusive while the massive woofer section of the Stage is much more apparent.

Since you don't mention it, the Stage you're talking about probably has first fit ribbons. To get the most out of them you'd have to invest in a pair of new ribbons. Then you still don't know how the woofer condition is and if there are any surprises hidden.
But I have the impression the Stage Mylar woofer is less prone to issues as the Kapton woofers, but don't take my word for it.

You should have kept one of your D's and have them restored really.

[Apogee0105]

Thanks for your comments.
Yes I do enjoy my Centaur Majors, and I find them easier to play all types of music more comfortably than pairs of Minors or Centaurs that I have also owned. The longer ribbon of the Major doesn't seem to "stress" as much when playing louder than the others.
The Stages have a Graz pair of tweeter ribbons so it is only the bass panel that will be a risk. Shorter speakers will be easier in my room but I don't want any lesser sound quality and that includes any possible "bass buzz" that is always a risk with full range Apogees and especially the Stages.