I'm trying to decide which version of Cakewalk Sonar to purchase. I've looked at the comparison chart here:
 
www.cakewalk.com/Products/SONAR/Versions#start
 
And I've looked at the plugins list here:
 
www.cakewalk.com/Documentation?product=SONAR&language=3&help=Plug-ins.1.html
 
Those pages are helpful, but Platinum's extra features do not represent benefits to me, because I've never used them. Hence, I'm not familiar with them, and I don't know how useful they are. Also, I've read somewhere that some of Platinum's virtual instruments sound a bit out-dated, in one reviewer's opinion.
 
So, I'm hoping to hear some personal opinions about which particular features in Platinum make it worth the extra money. (E.g. True Pianos? Or Lounge Lizard?) Alternatively, why is Sonar Professional sufficient for you? Please tell me why you yourself chose either Professional or Platinum. Are you happy with your choice? 
 
By the way, I stopped using DAW software at Cakewalk Pro Audio 9 and Samplitude 6, so I'm a total newb with Sonar. I'm on Windows 8.1 with an Intel i7 Skylake processor, and about 32 GB RAM.

Depends on what you are using it for and what type of projects you will be working on.
Think if you give more detail on your planned usage , you will get more detailed answers.

As far as bang for the buck.
Sonar Platinum is still sold with free Lifetime Updates till December 31st.
So without knowing your specific needs, that would still be a easy pick and a no brainier for me. Imho
 

KingsMix
As far as bang for the buck.
Sonar Platinum is still sold with free Lifetime Updates till December 31st...

This is what you really need to be considering. Without the Lifetime Updates, the decision would be clearer since you said you don't need the extra stuff in Platinum...
 
But the most valuable part of Platinum is the Lifetime Updates, so you need to ask yourself if that is worth it to you.

The Lifetime updates is the clincher.  I find that most of the stuff in Platinum is sufficient.  I think you get some extra Pro Channel modules (and Pro Channel is well integrated.)  You get some extra AD2 kits and packs which may or may not be worth it.

Arizona
Also, I've read somewhere that some of Platinum's virtual instruments sound a bit out-dated, in one reviewer's opinion.

First, let me echo the sentiment about Lifetime Updates making Platinum a no-brainer.
 
As to the instruments, an opinion like that is puzzling to me. I could understand if someone thinks the presets sound outdated, but the way instruments sound depends on how you program them. It's entirely possible to create the same cliched sounds everyone else uses if you want - slow LFO dubstep filtering, anyone? 

Helo all,
I ran into these same thoughts as OP states. Except I  came from the point of already having SPRO. I looked long and hard before making the change. Through the years I  have accumulated most of the items offered in Splat. The only BIG difference was when Cake offered the lifetime offer. Even though I have been a long time  owner in Cakewalk, the deal offered me was no better than someone new jumping on board. I penned it all out, and knew that yearly re-do was close. I jumped at the 2 year cost. Now I  just have to add updates when I  want them. Listen to all the grumbling here and keep learning what the knowledgeable people have to say. Sonar has met my needs for many years, and the investment in the future has been made.
Hope this helps. Really depends on you and what the offer still is. GOOD LUCK
 
PS (if you're  jumping in now...........Splat lifetime 

Thanks for the advice, but I think my question was not clear enough. What I'm asking is which *particular* features of Platinum make it worth the money *for you personally*. I just want your personal perspective, because I'm not entirely sure what I would use it for myself. I used to produce and sell instrumental CDs, and now I sell the old tracks on iTunes, but I'm not sure that producing new music tracks for sale would be worth the effort these days, so I might just approach it as a hobby. 
 
Based on much of the advice given so far, I understand that the lifetime upgrades are the main advantage for Platinum. I was hoping someone would mention other *particular* features, but I guess the additional features are not very compelling. I guess it's better to buy third-party plugins instead. 
 
I'm not convinced that I would care about getting years of free updates, especially since they would cost an additional $300 up front. So based on the advice I've read so far, I guess I should get Sonar Professional, if anything.
 
Am I off track here? I'd sure like to hear other personal perspectives, if you don't mind sharing your experience and opinions. Have any other features made Platinum worthwhile for you personally? Or can you tell me why you chose Sonar Professional instead?
 
Thanks!
 
[Edited]

It's a matter of personal taste and use.
 
 

I personally don't think most extra plugins and instruments you get are high quality enough for me. The exception is AD2. I use a lot of third party content. However if you're not planning to spend a lot on extra content, the actual combination of all the stuff that you get, PLUS the lifetime updates, is really good value. There are lots of sounds and fx in there that you would need to purchase or find separately if you didn't get them.