How is a CD read?

If the problem follows the cable, I would think that replacing that cable would be the first thing to try. Do that and get back to us...

-RW-

RW, How can the problem be with the cable if all the other tracks play correctly? I assume other CDs also play correctly since the OP only mentioned one CD.

I would play the offending tracks on a different CD player, even a computer or optical drive connected to a TV if that was all that was available. That would quickly determine if the CD was defective.

None of this answers the OP's question about CD mastering. If the recording process was flawed then the final CD will be flawed. Mastering is a broad term and includes many steps.

Perhaps the cd was recorded in something other than 2 channel stereo and that is why some of the information is weak.

The OP said it was a "live recorded CD." If this was taken straight from the sound board, it could be that a cable or even a control knob was bumped during just that song, then it was realized and fixed?

Rlwainwright...I should have been more clear. Trying to eliminate the preamp from being a factor, I swapped left and right inputs at the pre where the issue then fallowed to the right channel. I have also tried other cables to no avail. I have even played the CD in my vehicle where the same issue was duplicated.

Trying to glean some info on my thoughts of the CD being corrupted or how the CD was recorded, I contacted the Band who actually sells direct and appears to be very hands on with there recordings. The reply I received from one of the artist himself was "Google is your friend....and has all the answers…".

My desires are two fold. The health of my system and if possible, obtain a good copy of what I find a wonderfully performed CD. Maybe prying into "how things were recorded" was the wrong approach. The technical side of this hobby is not my strong suit, though issues like this make for some good learning.

My guess is that the artist's reference to Google is a suggestion to research comments on the particular recording. And I suspect from all you've described that doing so will turn up indications that there were technical problems of some sort either when the recording of the live performance was made, or subsequently during the process of mastering and engineering the CD.

I can't envision how either a physical defect in your particular copy of the CD or a problem with your system could be consistent with the facts you've described.

Regards,
-- Al

Almarq...I believe you are correct and that angle went straight over my head, embarrassed to say.

I did just receive another fallow up reply from one of the groups associates who was sending another copy my way. Apparently the groups performance was intended as a Video shoot for a DVD not an audio shoot. The audio only version was somewhat of an after thought thrown in as a bonus with the DVD. Some insight I was totally unaware of.

Thanks to all for your time!

"Originally I expected an issue with a component. After troubleshooting it is definitely the CDP. When switching the CDP's left and right cables to the preamp, the issue will fallow."

It could still be the CD. Try it on a different CD player.

ZD -- He did:

I have even played the CD in my vehicle where the same issue was duplicated.

Best regards,
-- Al