As with the speakers the reproduction ability of files from the music library ends at 48kHz / 16bit. Whether higher bitrates or sample rates affect sound, I leave undecided times. That they are simply not playing, but is annoying when you have such files in the music library. At least it would be expected that 24-bit streams with 44.1 / 48 kHz are cut and play on 16-bit, does not even require a yes sample rate conversion. A lot more, but I would expect that the more high-priced device reproduces even higher sampling rates and possibly can serve as a "gateway" to Sonos speakers. I understand the argument that you (WLAN) wants to avoid network problems caused by the restriction, but this decision could be left to more users via a configuration option. So just go through the Asset UPnP remains as a streaming server, then the conversion takes place in the. This in turn leads to limitations in the ease of use, as for example an album in the Sonos application not be played back with a single click and no multiple selection is possible - you have to each file individually put in the play list (with the PC application is the multiple selection possible). These likely overwhelm some users the asset configuration.
A bit thin, I find that there is only one analog input. Additional digital or analog inputs could make the Connect a Sonos-control center, so the benefit is rather limited. The outputs I miss a headphone jack, but there is an analog and two digital outputs. If you do not need to integrate into a system, you can take the Play 5 (analog input, headphone output) at only slightly higher list price better to have this then the same even a speaker.
The Sonos Play speakers have Me is a rather good value for money, compared to me the Connect appear overpriced. I hope for a successor device which offers more connectivity options and really supports all audio files.
