"Well I sure don't know for how long but it seems that my PC and software are where I've always hoped they'd be."
me too,after years of Hoontech soundcards and Cubase I stumbled onto Sonar 2 and struggled for a while till finally 8:5:3 came out and I upgraded to Focusrite interfaces.
I get clients who are blown away by how quickly I can process a mix for playback and all comment on my tweaked U.I.-the majority have never seen or heard of Sonar.
I would upgrade to Splat tomorrow if I thought it wold be "better" or more capable than what I have but I record live predominately so don`t need libraries and extra tools.I leave mastering to the pro`s.
I have yet to have a dropout or crash for the last few years so if it aint broke why fix it and I still maintain a wav is a wav regardless of DAW-preamps,quality instruments and talent are way more important than a pretty G.U.I.
I drive a 96 Hilux and people are always asking me why don`t I upgrade-the thing is I can honestly say I could drive it to London tomorrow,confidently-no electronics or driving aids to fail and I can pickup spares anywhere.
My point is that new is not always better-look at mid 90`s Benz`s or the original WRX-all fast becoming collectors items and still beautifully functional-it`s a pity Sonar 8:5:3 is not seen in the same light.
Having said that,the arthritis is setting in and if I can`t play anymore I will join the Splat community as the older I get the more composition becomes important rather than performance.
The upside of upgrading is that I have this forum to guide me through-invaluable.
sorry to butt in but I have a mistrust of planned obsolescence and yet to find a new feature I could use.
cheers