The AD2 upgrade was free/included with SONAR for a while there.  Not sure about how to see which kits etc. you have in AD1.  In AD2, when you clik on the name of the currently loaded default kit in the upper left, a window opens called "Preset Browser" which shows what you have.

Indeed the listening on XLN site is a bit misleading. I have bought five packs and c. 10 midis. Most happy with Jazz brushes, Jazz sticks (both also very good for rock and pop) and Fairfax 1. Any midi with "song" in the name is good.

Is there a better source of sound examples than the XLN site?
 
 

AD2 itself can play demos of all the kits. Load the plug-in in to SONAR and click the Explore button (pointed to by the red arrow), scroll through the kits using the arrow keys (red boxes) and play the presets on the screen.

That sounds great, but I think I'm stuck in a catch-22:
 

Using the XLN Online Installer, it doesn't seem that I can install Addictive Drums 2 until I first select at least 1 of the 3 ADPaks, 3 MIDI packs, and/or 3 Kitpiece paks.

 
So, I can't install AD2 until I pick an ADpak, but it's hard to choose an ADpak until I've heard how it sounds within AD2. :)

This should be available without buying anything http://www.xlnaudio.com/demos

Tripecac
Is there a better source of sound examples than the XLN site?

Not sure about "better," but it's interesting, and may be useful. Basically, it's a guy playing a MIDI keyboard through the standalone app, using the demo presets for each kit. If not helpful, at least it'll be a diversion from thinking about Bowie.
 

Thanks, I'll check out that video, and the demos page.
 
Distractions are good today! :(
 
 

IMO, they are all very good/easy to get quick results that sound good. I do have all the adpaks and they all have their unique sound/groves to them.....to be honest, you really can't go wrong with any of them. I had to get them all as I just couldn't make up my mind on which to get (after getting the initial bundle of 3's) and I do like all of them.  

Try YouTube