It sounds to me like you were quite happy with X3, and saw no real value to the last 12 mos of your subscription, so are hesitant to re-up again.  That makes perfect sense.   Tastes and workflows differ, so there will be different feelings about this.  My Dad likes to get a new car every 3 to 4 years.  His brother (my uncle) prefers to buy a car every 10 years or he doesn't feel like he's got his money's worth.  Neither man is "right".  Nor do they begrudge the other for his choice.
 
It's not rocket science, folks.  If you can't justify in your heart to re-up, then you shouldn't.  You can stop at the last month's version and happily use that forever (Assuming you bought into the yearly plan, and not month-to-month). 
 
If at any time later, one of the future updates catches your fancy, you can buy a single month's sub to see if you like it.  If so, you can start the month-to-month, or pay for a full year (The advantage of the latter plan is that you own it at the end of the sub).

BMOG

Valid points again if MS could improve Windows to equal Mac performance that would be sweet.  I hope they are reading this thread for those enhancements

Performance is not the issue, imho. A well founded and configured Windows box will perform as well as if not better than an equivalent Mac. It's getting the Windows box configured that remains challenging for many, with drivers du jour and firewire compatibility issues, and so on and so on.
 
On the other hand, the huge hardware ecosystem Windows drives means lower hardware prices for everybody, so it remains a very attractive platform. It's also that huge base of hardware (which Apple now leverages, interestingly) that make life difficult for us and MS's challenge is to make Windows as easy to configure as Mac's are. It's come a long, long, long way since the bad old days, but it has a ways to go with audio.
 

1.  I've been using CW since DOS V2 and YES in Jan (16^th for me) I will buy the "rolling updates" (aka  upgrade - or the "maintenance package" - pick your label)  for a year. 
 
2.  HOWEVER, the topic of this thread concerned Platinum, and everyone keeps quoting  $150, but for Platinum the cost is not $150 it is $200 (OK technically  $199) or $20 a month  (Professional will be $99 or $10 a month)
 
3.  We can HOPE for a "sale" or price reduction here later in the month as an incentive but I don't see that happening this time around.  Also unlike the jump from X3 to Platinum (that WAS $150) there aren't all the additional incentives like XLN's AD 2 free upgrade with a XLN 3 pak add-on, Melodyne Essential, and Dim Pro and Rapture full (assuming you didn't already have those anyway)
 
But who knows what CW will offer in next few weeks before first Rolling Update renewal is required.   

kevinwal

BMOG

Valid points again if MS could improve Windows to equal Mac performance that would be sweet.  I hope they are reading this thread for those enhancements

Performance is not the issue, imho. A well founded and configured Windows box will perform as well as if not better than an equivalent Mac. It's getting the Windows box configured that remains challenging for many, with drivers du jour and firewire compatibility issues, and so on and so on.
 
On the other hand, the huge hardware ecosystem Windows drives means lower hardware prices for everybody, so it remains a very attractive platform. It's also that huge base of hardware (which Apple now leverages, interestingly) that make life difficult for us and MS's challenge is to make Windows as easy to configure as Mac's are. It's come a long, long, long way since the bad old days, but it has a ways to go with audio.
 

I'm sitting here with Windows 10 on one of my computers using the same Focusrite 2i4 I use on either of my  2 Mac's  (when I'm not using my Appogee interface )  . 
I'm not seeing anything close to what you have just said .
Please show me the proof and educate me .
 
 
edit , I just reread your post …OK I do understand the "intention / goal " to get Windows to where Core Audio is on a Mac . 
I will give you that . It is a valid goal where every one can benefit ….the truth as it stands today in December of 2015 .
It is still a long ways off .…
 
 
Kenny
 
 

Fabio Rubato

Doktor Avalanche
I'll probably hold out until cake really drills down and focuses into finishing existing functionality.

I support this. The last two updates I've 'paid' for have introduced issues where I'm unable to use these updates. Whilst it's fortunate that I am able to roll back to a version which allows me to continue making music reliably, the bugs introduced are creating loss of production time in trying to solve issues and are not giving me the benefit of what I'm supposed to be paying for. I'm pretty happy with all the current features and really don't need additional bonuses. I just want a robust and reliable piece of music software and if updates enhance this further, then cool but not at the cost of more bugs.

+1

JonD
It sounds to me like you were quite happy with X3, and saw no real value to the last 12 mos of your subscription, so are hesitant to re-up again.  That makes perfect sense.   Tastes and workflows differ, so there will be different feelings about this.  My Dad likes to get a new car every 3 to 4 years.  His brother (my uncle) prefers to buy a car every 10 years or he doesn't feel like he's got his money's worth.  Neither man is "right".  Nor do they begrudge the other for his choice.
 
It's not rocket science, folks.  If you can't justify in your heart to re-up, then you shouldn't.  You can stop at the last month's version and happily use that forever (Assuming you bought into the yearly plan, and not month-to-month). 
 
If at any time later, one of the future updates catches your fancy, you can buy a single month's sub to see if you like it.  If so, you can start the month-to-month, or pay for a full year (The advantage of the latter plan is that you own it at the end of the sub).

+1

Fabio Rubato

Doktor Avalanche
I'll probably hold out until cake really drills down and focuses into finishing existing functionality.

I support this. The last two updates I've 'paid' for have introduced issues where I'm unable to use these updates. Whilst it's fortunate that I am able to roll back to a version which allows me to continue making music reliably, the bugs introduced are creating loss of production time in trying to solve issues and are not giving me the benefit of what I'm supposed to be paying for. I'm pretty happy with all the current features and really don't need additional bonuses. I just want a robust and reliable piece of music software and if updates enhance this further, then cool but not at the cost of more bugs.

+1

Anderton

BMOG
 
$150 times forever adds up over time don't you think? 

Yes, no doubt it does add up. In fact 35 years from now, it will have added up to what I paid (adjusted for inflation) for a 4-track tape recorder in 1975 which had no mixer, no processors, no instruments, and a need to feed it $156 worth of tape every month. (No, that's not a typo...35 years.)

I really enjoy using Sonar.   But it is quite an unfair comparison.  Sonar doesn't do anything without a computer + audio interface, the cost of such a computer in 1975?  The $150 is also just an update cost.  To start the process, sonar costs $500 for the version under question.  
 
$150 a year isn't cheap for an upgrade/update on a yearly basis, IMO.  However, the nice thing is the software from X3 on, I could see using it and not needing to upgrade for quite a few years.  
 
Personally, I'm guessing the upgrade price with be worth it for me every few years.  Every year I think it is a bit steep.  Users should keep in mind that X3 to today's Platinum is really 2+ years of upgrades not one.  
 
I'm really interested to see what they off in the next year.  I personally thought it was odd that the developers came out with Rapture Pro, but didn't add that to the premium product, they just provided a stripped down version, and offer it as a separate purchase.  Even Apple gave Logic users (a full DAW that costs $200, and even includes plgins like drummer) the Alchemy Synth as a free add on, not some stripped down version.  
 
The same can be said for some of the pro-channel models they have released on the side.  The model has changed, why not start including those in the package, especially since they are of no value to anyone but Sonar users.  

I have always felt fairly treated by Cakewalk. After some initial skepticism, I now appreciate the two new sales models.
 
I, too, would prefer bugfixes instead of yet more features. But of course, I want the bugs holding ME back to be fixed! Recently a cheer went up from guys that use Notation. Whilst I don't use Notation, that was proof enough that bugs and old issues ARE being addressed.
 
The Bakers' resources are not unlimited and Sonar is a mature product in a fairly crowded market. Old issues must be addressed, but the product must be driven forward, too. None of us will be served if Sonar stagnates.
 
I will continue to moan and groan, gripe and issue empty threats. But when my year's sub is up, I'll want the new version. I know I will. I always do.

jb101
So far, as part of the Sonar Platinum membership, the new features and content that I have received are:
 
Command Center
FX Stacking
Recycle/Pin Plugin Windows
Expandable Send
Pattern Tool
16 Virtual Custom Amps
Addictive Drums 2
"Stunning" New FX Chains
Mix Recall
The New Control Bar
REmatrix Solo
VocalSync
Craig Anderton VoxTools
Craig Anderton Acoustic Piezo CA-X Amp Sim
Hardgroove Steinberger Rapture Expansion Pack
Hardgroove’s Bass Loop Library
Craig Anderton Acoustic Guitar Presets
ProChannel module from Boz Digital Labs-Bark of Dog
ProChannel module from Boz Digital Labs-Panipulator
New Impulse Responses for REmatrix Solo
Anderton Collection “Phasor Constructor”
Les Paul Gold Top Expansion Pack-DimPro
Onscreen Virtual Controller
Pedalboard FX Chains
Kickmaster FX Chain
Synthetic IRs for REmatrix Solo
Kick Start Pack
SizzleBus
Drum Replacer
Strum Session 2
Deflate Gate
EDM Percussion Loops
Plug-In Upsampling
Relative Video Path
Windows 10 Compatibility
Interactive Project Tutorials
Showcase Templates
Mixing Templates
Mastering Templates
Start Screen
.PNG Support
Export Presets
Enhanced Clip Export
Synth Recording
Style Dials x3
Upsample on Playback
Aux Tracks
Patch Points
Rapture Session
Monitorizer FZ Chain.
 
I may have missed a few.
 
This does not include the hundreds of fixes and optimisations..
 
Do I think it is worth another year?  Err,  yes.
 
I have upgraded every time since the X series, and every few times since Sonar 6.
 
I seem to be getting more in a year, and a greater level of bug fixes than with the old model..
 
edited to add clarity

Saved me the time of saying something similar.  It's a slam dunk how the bakers have proved the value of the annual investment through this year.
 
I won't blink at re-upping.  It's a no brainer.