+1 to Paul P... X3e is a proven platform with a nice track record - bugs are well known, and relatively minor. If you are still in "learning mode," X3e will continue to keep you learning for some time.

Compared to previous releases, this release is one of the most solid I've ever seen. The bugs that are there aren't critical from what I can tell.
 
Not just that, but the days of having a big release that brings many new bugs, followed by a bunch of patch releases to fix the most serious are over. The new model follows an incremental release pattern. There is no "big" release where you can say let's wait for a patch or two. All incremental releases will have the same "weight". I think.
 
And you can install Sonar versions side-by-side, so it's not as if you can't go back to X3e if you do run into a showstopper bug.

SilkTone
Not just that, but the days of having a big release that brings many new bugs, followed by a bunch of patch releases to fix the most serious are over. The new model follows an incremental release pattern. There is no "big" release where you can say let's wait for a patch or two. All incremental releases will have the same "weight". I think.

You think correctly, that's the plan. 

Honestly, mix recall is totally worth the upgrade. 100%. Better implementation with windows including media foundation. Not too many have mentioned this but video syncing is a lot smoother. The drum replacer looks like an interesting addition - cant wait to get my hands on it.
When these questions pop up I'm always reminded of the old adage "the miser pays twice". I'm of the firm opinion that with this update that will hold true.

You don't have to upgrade to Platinum to get the Bugfix/Performance improvements.
The upgrade price from X3e to SONAR Artist or Professional is pretty reasonable.
 
And apart from one or two annoying problems, this has been the most stable release EVER in my opinion.
 

It all depends on what you are involved with in terms of projects and how current you want to be.  Absolutely nothing wrong with X3 and if it works for you then stay the course. For me personally I like to keep up with the new improvements and tools so I prefer to stay current. Either way Sonar is the best DAW hands down.
 
Blackie

 
John (igiwigi), could you clarify your question a bit ?
 
I understand from some other threads that you have Sonar Professional.  So what is your interest between X3 and Platinum ?  Also, you do not specify which version of X3 which greatly affects the number of plugins in the equation.
 

Paul P
Why not wait for an update or two before upgrading. 

There are substantial improvements in the Platinum product compared to X3.  Whether these are worth the upgrade fee to you is a question only you can answer.
 
But fundamentally, it is a simple question.  Cakewalk is offering a new version with a broad set of improvements.  And they are asking a certain price for that -- this time on a subscription agreement.  If the price makes sense for the features you would use, then buy it.  If not, then don't.
 
To me, it seems the price is modest and the features are strong.  I won't use most of the features, but that is true of any software product.  I have used the scene recall.  This is big.  I have used Rematrix Solo, which seems nice.  I might eventually use the control bar.  I certainly appreciate the minor improvements in the GUI.  I have not really got the hang of the FX chains in general yet.  One of these days I'm going to take the time to understand that, because it seems there is a lot of power sitting there for me.

Sonar X3 e Producer was a great version and it still is. However as good as X3 was Platinum is that much better. It is a delight to run and get to work with. It has a highly responsive feel and seems to anticipate ones actions and needs. It is not a minor incremental upgrade but a realization of the promise of the X series come to life with more to come. I have it on a fully equipped desktop and a older limited laptop. Both run very well indeed. 
 
Only we that have made the switch know how very impressive it is. Its hard to put into words but no one that has it working is disappointed by it.  
 
     

cparmerlee
To me, it seems the price is modest and the features are strong.

There is also the fact that the current price will go up by 50$ (for Platinum) in the not too distant future and we have no idea if it will ever be on a similar sale sometime down the road.