From yr description it's probably static build-up that was released when you touched the metal surface. IF it was the DAC as Gasman suggests, another trick is to press "pause" and back to "play" again. This resets the clock -- and may serve.
What the Hell Happened?
Last night I was listening to my system. As happens occasionally, the top end was shelved down from normal. Some high freq. air was missing, music was a little closed in sounding. Like I said, this has happened every few days for about 2-3 months. I've always thought it was either unidentifiable audio gremlins or my hearing was a little congested that night(I am 51 yrs old now). However, when I picked up the CD case for Someday My Prince Will Come, Miles Davis, my finger touched the metal top of the CD transport and there was a slight "snap" sound and immediately the music opened up! I could easily hear it while standing in front of my equipment stand! I sat down and listened to the last two CDs I'd played and all the high end extension and air was back, and it stayed the rest of the night!! Anyone have any idea what happened and how I can prevent it or correct it when happening again?