Haven't heard of Reaper yet. I'll stick with Sonar PE, I've used cakewalk products as I say since version 1.0, way back in the eighties.

I'm certain an entry-level price like that will attract a lot of home-based studio customers. For me however, the formula of good gear, software and a solid, back-of-hand knowledge of your gear and and a set of good ears yields a pretty decent sound in the end.

I would love to hear something you've recorded with this software just to hear its capability.