Thanks for the responses, guys.
 
I haven't noticed slow loading issues with EZX in SD2. Seems fine to me. I will say I was kind of, not disappointed really, maybe a bit surprised that some of the features in EZD2 wasn't in SD2. I would have expected more of those features on top of what's already there. However, the abilities it does have are freaking cool!
 
They advertise it as a standalone program, but you need a sequencer to open and use it. EZD2 is standalone and doesn't require "Solo" or anything else to open and use. I found that pretty odd. And I do agree, the window is kind of small and can be hard to read.
 
I have been waiting for SD3 to upgrade, but this $99 deal they have right now was have been ridiculous to pass up I think. I have read many times people are upset they haven't released an upgrade yet and are a bit irritated that a much less expensive app like EZD2 has some features SD2 should have, like the ability to arrange and edit the midi files within SD2 and save and export to a wav.
 
So, hopefully, if there are plans for SD3 they take all of the coolness of EZD2, make them better, and put them in SD3. I am quite happy with my purchase, though, but it may be a little bit outdated at this point. Especially for the full price of it.

Thanks for the informative discussion.

bapu
I think of the two this way.

EZDrummer2 is pretty much "produced" for you. You "produce" SD2. IOW SD2 is more raw and awaiting your treatment.

Is that why all my snares sound like poo-poo in SD2?.... as compared to EZD2   All my NY drum kits sounds like they need something...but I'm not dialing it in.  The demos sound great.

When you get SD2 don't you download EZPlayer Pro? It allows you to arrange the MIDI as you want external to Sonar.

remember tho that EZD2 just came out about a year ago I believe, SD2 has been out since about 2008 or so!
 
SD3 should provide many of the features of the GUI for EZD2 when SD3 comes out.  I am eagerly waiting for it, I don't know when it will arrive, but I am definitely looking forward to it!  EZD2's search features for MIDI are "superior" to EZD (1) and SD2.  I am hoping they integrate that into SD3.
 
mixmkr - YES!  go to the MIXER and add some presets for your snare, and for other kit pieces too, for that matter.  you can tweak them after you enter the presets by clicking on the individual plugins inserted from clicking on the presets.  it's what makes SD2 great!

There is a very good Video comparing SD2 and EZD2 at Groove3.com. It showed some things I wouldn't have thought of. I believe having both is the best choice if you can. Being able to use EZD2 kits in SD is pretty handy. For me getting the Music City expansion for $33. or so is an inexpensive way to build towards the future and SD3 when it comes out. SD midi area looks like EZ Player Pro but really is totally different. I'm hoping for EZ Player Pro2 come out soon with SD3. That gets me pretty jazzed.

Today is the last day to get Music City SDX at Time+Space for $31 to $33 using code NOVN3WS and pay in British Pounds.

If they just integrate most of EZD2 into SD3 wouldn't that negate the need for EZ Player?
It seems to me just building a drum track in EZD2 then tweaking it in SD2 works just fine.