help please...What exactly is Waves 9 compared to, for example, Waved Diamond?

So there are two things: the version and the package.
 
The number is the version. Higher numbers = newer. Thus better support for new DAWs n' OSes n' such. 9 is current. You get whatever the current version is when you buy.
 
The package is what has the gold/silver/diamond/whatever label. These are collections of plugins. So that is what you actually buy. You can buy individual plugins, or a pack, and those packs contain a bunch of plugins at whatever the current version is.

You did pretty well bit. :) People got the point, but were not subjected to your extreme hatred of the Waves brand. Good job on the self control! By the way, you're exactly right. Years ago, Waves was THE heavy hitter, and one could justify the high price of their plugins. But times have definitely changed, and there are many excellent plugin s to be had at a fraction of the price.

Thanks to everyone - really appreciate it. I think I understand now. You can either buy a bundle or individual plugins and they will come in whatever is the latest version. Or, you can buy a Version 9 and choose from a variety of plugins to go with it...seems a weird way of doing things but okay...
 
Bitflipper - you're hilarious, but I will take your advice and have a look round. I know the kind of plugins I need and I just want to buy a quality product that is reliable...I realise I could spend lots of time trying out 10 different alternatives of a particular plugin...the CA-2A is an example of something that you can find maybe between 5 and 10 versions of from Cakewalk to T-racks to Waves....I can't be arsed with identifying subtle differences I'm afraid!
 
The Poster who said Waves ticks all the boxes is how I basically feel. However, my main issue with Waves is that so many of their displays and readouts are so tiny!! I have a couple of T-racks singles and some iZotope stuff and the displays are clear for my eyes.  So, if I choose something else, ease of use and sight will definitely be a must! 

As Bit says, the Melda plugs are top notch...but as he also alludes...it might take you three years to go through and understand them. FabFilter is another company to check out. As is Nomad Factory. As is UAD. As is IK Multimedia. There is no shortage of companies or plugs to peruse. Try every demo you can find and see what works for you...i.e. what you understand and find the easiest to work with that still provides top quality sound. But remember, if you're using the latest version of Sonar Producer you already have a host of top notch plugs built in. So upgrading to the latest version of Sonar is also an option. If you can...try before you buy.

I am an EX Waves user - I own but cannot use any longer Gold / GTR and something else which I have forgotten - I can't use them as I REFUSE to pay their yearly ransom money (WUP) to use MY software.
Perhaps other people are OK with this, I'm not - just my personal view on Waves and their somewhat dubious business ethics and practices.
I would investigate fully, software from Reputable Companies such as those mentioned above - I can thoroughly recommend as good software and good Companies to work with, Tonebbosters, Melda, UAD, Nomad Factory, PSP and iZotope. You shouldn't forget either Hornet(lovely guy Saverio, good products and good prices)  and also some of the Free stuff, especially that from Bootsy (Variety of Sound) and Toyko Dawn
Cheers
Nigel
 
 
 

bitflipper
(bapu, was that too strong? I'm trying to moderate my vitriol toward Waves for the sake of forum civility.)