Rapture is a "goto" softsynth for me.  I have used it in almost every project for the last 6 years.
 

Computer Music gives away Rapture for free next month. That means that you can get it for much less than $29 in a few days.
 
(also work with digital editions)

I would wait.
 
I purchased Rapture as a stand alone some years back. It was always unstable for me. But I love its sound anyway.
 
I just upgraded to x3 producer and I uninstalled ALL sonar products off my system and then a fresh clean install of x3 including the full version of Rapture. ( I chose not to install Rapture Le)
 
Seems to work soooo much better now......
 
Clifford

On one hand $30 isn't hard on the wallet, on the other you'll get to your X3 upgrade quicker if you are patient, avoid low cost impulse buys and hang on to the money. Just some food for thought.
 
Rocky

On one hand $30 isn't hard on the wallet, on the other you'll get to your X3 upgrade quicker if you are patient, avoid low cost impulse buys and hang on to the money. Just some food for thought.
 
Rocky

as already mentioned computer music have it on their cover disk this month (CM 200) which maybe a fair bit cheaper..
 
don't forget muz3um for it.. and other various sound packs.
 

Rapture is a great synth, and the muz3um and other libraries for it makes it even more useful.  I'd get computer music - you can't tell what else is on the disk/download you might find useful.  Be warned, however, freebies etc. from Cakewalk (as well as many others) means the next version or replacement is about ready to go.  They get you one way or another, so just don't be peeved when Rapture + comes out in a few months.  I wouldn't bet the farm on it, but most likely.  And if you get rapture now, you'll be in for the user discounts, which will save more than $30 if you upgrade. 
 
@

I upgraded Rapture at some point for $19.99, so it was during a sales cycle, but then became part of the Producer package anyway. I have not gotten a lot of use out of it, so it is "there" but not a critical piece for me. Also bear in mind I am more a guitar person, so MIDI is not what I gravitate to (take this with a grain of salt).