Just my opinion but I look at it as an everyday hobbyist or part time user of any DAW usually does not take the time to properly setup their computer or interface for "most-efficiency". On the other hand, someone who uses their DAW on an everyday basis in the professional level of the music business will have the most efficient computer setup they can get. A correct setup and the right DAW is a thing of beauty.
At the end of the day it will always be down to the ability to operate the DAW of choice as quickly and efficient as possible if you are going "PRO".  Learn your DAW inside out. Whichever your choice of weapon should be. 

X3d is the bomb for me. No other DAW gives you the goods that Sonar does not to mention Cakewalk support, these boards, etc... invaluable. 

Thanks! For your reply.
 
PiBoy

One advantage of using Sonar is this forum as a help resource.
 
There is a plethora of very helpful people right here that are only a forum post away from providing answers to just about any questions/problems you may have.

quoting fast biker--the forum is one of the mainstays of Sonar.

 I am a musician, not a geek, though of course have learned a lot in the many years I have been producing professionally. I have gone from Revox 1/2 tracks to Pro Tools 11 and beyond. I couldn't have made it some times if it wasn't for the combined wisdom I have found on this forum. And most people are really nice about it.

PiBoy
Can we Go Pro on the Cakewalk? 
 
PiBoy

It may sound like I'm trying to toot our own horn here, but we have SONAR users working on hit TV shows, working on the Final Fantasy games, and playing in major selling bands like Megadeth. I would say "Going Pro" is definitely possible.
-DG

AND, you get us forum folks thrown in for free :)
 
Bob Bone
 

The Final Fantasy Games? Really? How cool :)

I wonder if people ask this question because Cakewalk (Twelve Tone Systems?) started off by offering MIDI-only sequencers back in the late 80's for what I assume was exclusively home use.  It was only later that they introduced the ability to add audio tracks.  I used the original (DOS-based) MIDI-only sequencer and was blown away with the ability to record guitar/bass/vocals alongside MIDI synth tracks when it was first introduced.  Cakewalk sequencers (at least to old timers like me) have retained that 'home' feel from the early days.  Or maybe it's the company itself that seems that way.  Maybe both.
 
I've never used Pro Tools -- and don't know much about their history -- but it seems that they were 'pro' from the outset.  Maybe this is why some people think Pro Tools is for pro use and Sonar for home use.

Sonar X3 I could afford. Pro Tools I couldnt.
 
Though at first I wasnt planning on getting the studio version, or melodyne editor, but all of that was still far less expensive than Pro tools and added so much with nice discounts, and Im still too much of a noob for something as 'pro' as pro tools :p
 
Then if I get better at it, I can upgrade to X3 Pro, I dont think Pro Tools let you start with a cheaper pack and then upgrade.
 
I got to use pro tools at university, but I was pretty terrible at it and couldnt understand much. X3 has loads of tutorials, and I believe I'm learning far more from just 5 hours worth of videos than I managed to learn from 3 years of music tech.