Why Should I Upgrade to the New Sonar?

I have X3e Producer with the following add ons, as listed on my profile page:
 
PC Concrete Limiter
PC PC4K S-Type Channel Compressor
PC PC2A T-Type Leveling Amplifier
PC CA-2A T-Type Leveling Amplifier
 
So what do I get for the risk, as my system is running great (thanks Jim, StudioCat).
 
Are the new upgrades in Sonar worth it?
 
I am really confused.

If the existing version does all you need, no need to upgrade, just carry on making music. New features are great but I stuck at X2 for this very reason.

I love the new Reverb.

Marcus Curtis

BassDaddy
You may need to jump on it. The$149.00, I  believe,  is  only good till the end of the month.

I was unaware of that. Thanks for the heads up. I thought the upgrade price from X3 Professional to Platinum was always going to be $149 throughout the year. It will be tough but I will try and get this done before the end of the month.

AFAIK, it will be increasing to $199 at osme point.
 
Have you considered paying in monthly instalments?
 
Cakewalk provide a payment plan for us cash strapped musicians.

Enhancements to the core audio engine can only be incremental, and I'm pretty sure we have seen this happening through each new release of Sonar.

Brilliant idea,but it downloads wayyyy faster than X anything

Best version of Sonar that Cakewalk has ever done. That's why.
 
It's a no-brainer really, IMO. Snappier, more responsive, more stable, more reliable; all new additions are off-the-charts humongous... more refined and slicker user-interface, better midi input method, superb REmatrix Solo, excellent Addictive drummer 2, Craig Anderton Amp sims... all these are off the charts good, and all for $149. Arte you daft? Just kidden, but seriously, unless you're strapped for cash, can't really go wrong man.

A bit OT:I have Vista on my laptop comp so I am not sure if it is a good idea to get the new Sonar. I have x1 so it would be a big upgrade.

Because if you don't upgrade the feelings of inadequacy will overtake again. And we don't want that now do we.  :-)
 

but... I already upgraded and I still feel inadequate... what gives?

When you upgrade, you risk all sorts of new issues.  New bugs that didn't exist before, new compatibility problems, and new ergonomics (sometimes) to deal with.   I never upgrade in the middle of projects.   That's asking for problems, even with projects without deadlines, why introduce new problems?   Isn't composing and producing good music challenging enough?
 
The other issue is the confusion between one's tools and one's craft.  Skills acquired using software and audio equipment are not the same skills that are involved in the composition and orchestration of music.  I tend to think a lot of people invest more time in their computer skills than in their musical craft, and of course it shows.  Is there anything you need Sonar to do that you cannot do now?  Does the newest version change that?   If yes, consider upgrading, if no, better to spend your time honing your musical skills, writing and producing music. 
 
Other than the very temporary thrill of getting and installing a new piece of software, you're going to spend money and time that often end up with no real advantage (to you, not the software company who will gladly take your money), other than the rapidly diminishing feeling of having the "newest".  I used Sonar 7 for over 5 years before even considering upgrading.   Now I use X3e and will continue to use it for probably another 5 years.  Since CW refuses to fix the bugs in the staff view, where I spend most of my time sequencing, there's no justification at all for upgrading, other than the emotionally-driven gear lust that makes you like everyone else.   Gear lust doesn't produce great music, that should be obvious.
 
If it isn't broken, don't fix it.  If it is broken and the new version doesn't fix it, don't upgrade. 
 
Jerry
www.jerrygerber.com/symphony9.htm
 

I had essentially the same add-ons as the OP.  I upgraded to Platinum and work flow was seamless.  Upgrade was quick, the layout and work flow is essentially identical, just with some improvements.  I actually find it easier to use with the minor layout improvements.

If everything is fine and you don't find yourself salivating for any of the new features, I'd say just stay where you are... Cake is going to be rolling out periodic real time improvements and when these things reach a "oh, I gotta have that!" level for you, upgrade!  You'll be ahead of the game, in the sense that you now have a full year of ongoing upgrades from the moment you upgrade and if you do this in six months...you get more goodies than those of us who jumped as soon as we got our invitation!
 
Really, it's a win/win situation from where you're sitting...Personally, I just did it cause that's what I do.  But I was totally in bliss with X3 so really didn't need to and if I were more concerned about money or bang for the buck, I'd have waited. However, I hate the whole money racket, don't have any because of it, and love the bakers and my daw so I just did it.  Crazy, I know... 

Just to add to what everyone loves about the new Sonar: I love the pattern tool!!! Makes it sooo easy and fast to lay down drum tracks!