So I'll need to upgrade my OS (or computer) at some point soon (still on XP), and since Sonar is the main reason for the change and perhaps the most important thing I'll be doing on the computer, I have to consider compatibility.
 
In short, is Sonar X2 (and the X2a update) stable enough on Windows 8, or should I try to get Windows 7 to maximize compatibility and minimize bugs?

No problems with 8 here.

Or here on Win 8.

I find my MOTU PCIx424 setup works at a lower latency on windows 8. However, the current drivers gives me issues on a cold boot (the 424 fails to initialize properly). A reboot after a cold boot gets the 424 to initialize, after which I have no problems. As always, check to make sure that your current drivers work under Win 8, or that Windows 8 drivers are available, on your hardware manufacturer's website.

Lots of people here have outlined in various threads they're working on Win 8 without major issues - so purely from a Sonar perspective, you're probably fine, however the larger issue is to ensure all other aspects of your configuration have good Win 8 drivers (e.g. your audio interface, any other external software, any separate effects cards (like a UAD), video card drivers, etc.)  I'd go through all components and ensure they're all Win 8 compatible before moving ahead.
 
Hope that helps.
Russ
 

I am using Win 8 with X2 and A Roland Quad Capture. I have only had one crash, and I am pretty sure it was a plug in causing it. So my Win 8 system can be considered pretty stable.

More stable here on 8 than I was on 7. However, if you are going to upgrade to 8, I'd encourage you to install your OS and VSTs on a solid state drive. It'll make load-up time darn-near instantaneous. The jury is still out on whether or not audio and sample files are efficient on SSD, however.

Isn't Win 8 basically an "updated" version of Win 7 and "generally" speaking, won't most of Win 7 drivers work well within Win 8?
 
I found this on Microsofts site regarding compatibility:
 
Run programs made for previous versions of Windows
If you're having trouble running an app that worked in a previous version of Windows, you might be able to run it in a compatibility mode, such as Windows Vista or Windows 7 compatibility modes.


 
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/get-apps-devices-working

That is true. However, Windows 8 loads up very quickly from a cold start, compared to Windows 7. It also natively "understands" how to best use Solid State Drives (SSD3), making program load-up times extremely fast when they are used, while also addressing earlier concerns about performance degradation over time. That is the greatest advantage I see for Windows 8 over 7.
 
If you're going to upgrade, include an SSD upgrade as part of your plan. The difference with be astounding. I just did the same on my Video Editing station as well, and can load Adobe Master Suite components literally in microseconds (Photoshop 64 and After-Effects used to take a minute or two to load in Win7 + spindle drive). Imagine what that could do for your VST load times.

baudze
That is true. However, Windows 8 loads up very quickly from a cold start, compared to Windows 7. It also natively "understands" how to best use Solid State Drives (SSD3), making program load-up times extremely fast when they are used, while also addressing earlier concerns about performance degradation over time. That is the greatest advantage I see for Windows 8 over 7.
 
If you're going to upgrade, include an SSD upgrade as part of your plan. The difference with be astounding. I just did the same on my Video Editing station as well, and can load Adobe Master Suite components literally in microseconds (Photoshop 64 and After-Effects used to take a minute or two to load in Win7 + spindle drive). Imagine what that could do for your VST load times.

I noticed in your sig that you also have a UAD1e....do you have any issues with the 64bit drivers or plugins?
I'm also building a new Win 8 x64 machine and will migrate from the Vista x32.