My experience matches with most other posters.  I installed with NO problems, runs all the projects I have opened, old and newer, runs fast and has never crashed.  The additional features are true upgrade material. 

Platinum is the most solid version ever IMHO ...and has so many toys and tools that I don't know I'll ever get around to learning them all well...a good problem to have as far as I'm concerned : )

Something that is overlooked when making a decision to upgrade is the advantages of "being up to date". There is a wave of information that you can ride when staying current. If you ask about using AD2 or the new Control Bar you will get lots of answers. Notice how many and how fast people respond to posts about R-Mix SONAR or V-Vocal. Nothing against those programs, I am just pointing them out to make my point. If you want to know how to do something there will probably be several threads on it and not by people using Windows XP. There is a good amount of Cakewalk posts on the new SONAR. Not so much on Home Studio 7 XL. (actually none) New ways to do things what software is causing crashes doesn't happen in a vacuum. Someone will have had the same thing. A crash in an older version and you have a smaller number of people who are in the same place as you. And lastly, if this the last "version" of SONAR it is the best time to upgrade. Even if you let your membership lapse for a few months or a year you wont be on a totally different version.

I forgot to mention it's a great, stable, DAW!

I second that. Very pleased with Platinum.

John

Fabio Rubato
Well, I was excited...until I tried to install it and received a blue screen because of some conflict with bdfsfltr - which appears to be a part of my virus connection. So I could only install it in Safe Mode. Even then, Plt continues to crash and stop working - apparently it doesn't like Melodyne or at times my Roland Quad drivers - but also for other 'unknown' issues. So now, if I want to update, it has to be via Safe Mode - even disabling virus still gets me a nice blue screen. 
 
It's slow to open projects as well and really apart from midi manipulation improvements and the rematrix solo, there's not much in it for me. X3e continues to be my 'go to' DAW as it rarely if at all crashes and loads projects quickly.
 
If I had to do it over again, I'd probably just try the monthly payment option, as by now, I would have cancelled it...just sits on my system now as I won't touch it anymore...rather spend my time making music than stuffing around with Plt. Big waste of time and money for me.
 
Just my experience of it. So I'm not going to try to convince you to upgrade. I would advise you rather to try the monthly option if it's still available;

It seems to me that your virus setup is the problem. Most people use MS essentials or some non conflicting protection. Some do without and have their machines offline. I suppose what is a priority to you is not one I have. I much rather be able to run my programs without trouble. But thats just me.  

Thanks John...that's good advice. I'll consider it, even though I've just paid recently to extend the subscription. If it's at the heart of the problem, then maybe I'd better get rid of it and try something else like MS essentials.
 
Cheers

mudgel
I've just had a look and AudioDeluxe.com have Sonar Platinum upgrade from X3 for $125.99 for members. Only takes a 1 minute signup to join.

A lot of good information but if this is true about $125.99 I will buy this tonight.  Also what happens after your year membership is up, do you have to pay a one time charge again or a monthly fee?  If so that will be constantly paying for software if that is the case.

With the one-time payment method, the software is yours just like all previous upgrades. After your membership ends at the end of a year, you may elects to sign up for another year, go monthly or allow the membership to lapse. There is no continuing obligation to pay Cakewalk anything to use the product you are about to purchase.

BMOG
Ok be honest if you have platinum how do you like it?  How was the install process for you? The upgrade price at $149 is that the best deal coming this year or should I wait until around Christmas time like I normally do to upgrade?  I must admit Sonar X3e is working just fine for me so convince me why I should upgrade again?

Why even be on the fence when it's pretty close to a no brainer? It's better. Period. More value and inspiration for your time using it.

Only thing I found at that site for $125 http://audiodeluxe.com/products/cakewalk-sonar-professional-academic
http://audiodeluxe.com/products/cakewalk-sonar-platinum-upgrade-sonar-x3-producer I have been with Sonar since Cakewalk, then to 8.5, X1,X2,X3 and now potentially Platinum. I feel like as soon as I get comfortable with one version a new one comes out and the learning curve starts all over again.  I want to get a point of this is it, this is my DAW and not be concerned about upgrading when the next new version comes out. Are we in the trap of software upgrades, how do we break this cycle?  Creating music is our goal but it seems more time is spent on learning how new things work than creating music in my opinion at first anyway.  If I upgrade this time I would like for it to be my last but I am sure the next version will be the best version ever.  In my humble opinion 8.5.3 was my favorite thus far.