I have a recording studio using Sonar (and working on Pro Tools). I have a Focusrite Saffire Pro 40, which is a Firewire connected unit.
However, the basic pops, crackles etc need to be addressed. There are many posts on here with reports of the same problems. As you are apparently using the RME Fireface as your PC's "sound card" the firewire port would be a good place to start. Most audio vendors recommend a T.I. Firewire chip in the PC for best results. Second, many recommend using the "legacy firewire
driver" rather than the native Windows firewire
driver. These are two areas to start with.
Focusrite has some Windows 7 suggestions for optimizing the PC for audio and although it's focused towards their products many items are applicable to any PC with a firewire device.
Optimising your PC for audio on Windows 7 .: Focusrite Answerbase
In addition, if you have a wi-fi internet connection, disable that as it is a known cause of this.