Try Realband .. it's different than a lot of DAWS (more like BiaB in some ways if you get along there) and may fit your needs.
If not, (in my mind) Reaper is very affordable and very capable DAW with lots of support.

Sonar just wasn't for me, same with Protools.

But that's just my view, any of the suggested DAWs may 'click' with you personally.
If you try one that is problematic (like your experience with ProTools), just move on and try a different one. Don't spend a lot of time trying to solve problems you may never have in another DAW. The whole idea is that it fits YOUR workflow.

'Joe' may swear by DAW A and 'Jeff' swears by DAW B .. and they are both right, for themselves.
But for you, find the one that works and you are comfortable in. The whole idea is to make some music.
Once any DAW exports a stereo wav file it's a stereo wav file; doesn't matter what software made it.


I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!