I have not (yet) upgraded from PA2a to the new CA-2A.  To be honest I like and use PA2A and have not seen a need to upgrade (yet).  Now that CA-2A has been out for a while and used by many of you here on this forum, I would like you CA-2A veterans to give a rationale objective evaluation of the differences between the CA-2A and its predecessor, the PA2A.  I want to see if there are reasons to justify the upgrade.  

Let me be clear.  The upgrade cost of $19.95 is not the issue. Further, I know that the CA-2A offers side-chaining and that it works as a vst2 plugin outside of the ProChannel.  All of that is nice, but what I don't know is if there is a qualitative difference between the CA-2A and its predecessor the PA2A?  Is there a new allgorhythum (sp?) used in the CA2A that makes it sound better apart from its availability outside of the prochannel as a vst2 and its new side-chaining feature?

If specifically the CA-2A is used inside the Prochannel, does it work better than the PA2A at doing the same thing?

Again, the price is not the issue, I just want to hear why CA2A is better because I like and use the PA2A and am trying to justify the upgrade.  So, let's hear what you veteran leveler-users have to say.

CA-2A allows me to use it in Cubase now ; P...

AFAIK the sidechaining and VST are the only difference.
 
I have not heard a difference, but have not looked for one or done any A/B testing.
 
I have only seen one person mention a qualitative  improvement, and that was Freddie, who felt it sounded a lot better.  You could search for his thread.
 
There is now a demo of the CA-2A available from the cake site.  Sticky at top of this page.
 
Edited for typo

I've not been able to discern any audible difference - but my ears are rather old. 

Being able to use it outside of Sonar is an excellent reason if you have that need (or desire).

I would speculate that if you can wait it will probably be part of package in X3 


Regards,

I also have the Native Instruments version from Softube....any idea if there are any major differences?

If you use other hosts DAW applications, it's worth the $20 upgrade (VST version).

Thanks to all of you for this information.  Since I only use Sonar X2a, I will just save the $20 for something else.  Thanks again.

Cecelius2