8.3.1 user, should I change to X3?

Ferchis,
I started with Sonar 7, used 8, 8.5 and all the X versions. The sound quality of the native DAW is not going to be any different. I don't know what plugins you use but you may get improved quality from some of the included X3 producer plugins. 
 
The biggest advantage of X3 is the workflow. It is quite different than 8.xx and it will take some getting used to but after a couple of projects you would not want to return to 8.xx.
The pro-channel alone is worth moving to X3. Comping in X3 is also pretty cool and will get even better in X3e.
 
I suggest you download the X3 demo and see what it is like.
 
Michael
 
 
 
 

Ferchis,
Regarding opening your projects...
It depends on the project. If you move from 8.3 32-bit to X3 64-bit, you may have to replace some plugins with the 64-bit versions. Some people have to replace their 32-bit plugins with the newer 32-bit plugins. Same with synths. Some people have no issues at all opening old projects. It all depends on what is done in the project. Most issues are with plugins and synths. Your recorded audio should transfer just fine.
 
It's free to try the demo. That is the only real way to get definitive answers to your questions.
Michael
 
 

Yes you should try the demo first. For me there was not a big difference at all. I just went from 8.5 to X3 Studio. There was a sale where they offered the upgrade to studio for only $99. so I jumped on it. 
There was absolutely nothing wrong for me with 8.5 64 bit.. but eventually our OS and drivers etc will all be obsolete, so best to not fall to far behind the game. I'm good for anlther 4 or 5 years now. 
 
But as far as cool new features go, It really depends on the way you work and what you will use Sonar for. I am very old school and just do a few MIDI drum tracks, Some traditional Keyboards and then the usual Guitars, Bass and vocal. I could care less about 80% of what any DAW can do. If I went back to 8.5 tomorrow I doubt I'd even notice a dramatic change. That's me. So depending on what you want to do you need to explore the demo and see what's up. There will always be new versions and each one seems improved in stability, Apparently I missed a lot of bugs by waiting it out until now. But I still had to download a patch that is claiming to fix 2 pages of stuff? 
 
But I will say one very positive thing I'm noticing is way better performance with this version. I did just change interfaces too, but I think X3 is a very stable and smooth running version on Windows 7 64 bit. 
As far as workflow goes.. I have not seen this in the way I work.. And the interface is all changed just enough to slow you down at first, but a quick look in the manual and no problems at all using the weird mouse pointy things. I like it, it's a keeper and will serve me well for a long run here.. 

LOL, Craig's list about sums it up! When learning the X-series it helps to treat it as a new experience. Where many have resorted to #5 is assuming things without reading or asking questions.
 
X3 even got me on the first day (coming from X2) with the new comping feature... I am showing it off as soon as I first open it, assume it is "Sound on Sound" while recording a loop, and suddenly I said "Um.... something is not right" If you explore with the intent to learn, X3 is a well-powered playground!

Don't know if anyone's mentioned one but X3 won't run on Windows XP so if that's your OS, then you may need to factor an upgrade into your plans and that may even require a hardware upgrade as well.as

Many things in X3 are better than pre-X series. The console view, however, isn't one of them. That got ruined in X1 and 3 versions in it hasn't been fixed, so looks like we're stuck with that. 
 
I'm mostly happy with the upgrade. The included version of Melodyne is slick in how it integrates, but a bit disappointing unless you do the upgrade to Editor, so if that is attracting you, plan on shelling out a bit more on top of the upgrade price. That said the X3 producer upgrade plus the melodyne upgrade still cost less than just buying melodyne editor on it's own, which I was planning to do, so it was no-brainer territory for me really.
 
Best thing is to try the demo and see for yourself.

Go for it!