The core decodes the audio media into a PCM like audio 'stream' sent in chunks to audio endpoints of (iirc) 1400 byte UDP packets. Every (iirc) 10 packets, there is a TCP handshake which checks if all packets are present and correct.

Whilst UDP packets do not undergo a ack/nack process for performance, the less granular TCP habdshake fulfils this need.

Either all 14000 (10x1400 bytes) intact, or all are retransmitted. There is plenty of buffering to allow multiple retransmission attempts without audio disruption.

If the data stream 'breaks', the disruption is highly audible (audio breakup) and far from subtle.

This process happens whether or not the audio endpoint is remote (ie MD600/ID4x) from the Core or integrated (ie MC200). The latter uses internal networking stack and packets do not physically travel across network hardware.

To hear the effects of datastream breakup, use Control:Mac/PC (not Control:Web which uses a different protocol) on a wireless device and walk away from wireless access point/router until wifi signal becomes marginal.

Meridian owner since 1992
Prime & PSU, Focal Elear headphones, Roon (ROCK 8Gi5 NUC), Explorer 1 & 2, F80. 200/203, various Sonos (via Roon).