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.