Is LP distortion the record or the cartridge?

Dear @mglik  : The kind of distortions you listened are a clear sign ( along those 2K play hours. ) that as I told you exist a " problem !" at the stylus tip.
The cartridge is showing you his degradation level that is at limit and needs retip it.

Even that in other LPs you don't listen yet any kind of similar distortions that cartridge is making an irreversible damage on all the LP grooves you play with it. My advise is to stop using it and wait for your Lyra.

R.

The cartridge probably has about 2000 hours on it.
I am only getting that distortion on old and, probably, worn records

Sometimes you can get dust buildup on the stylus tip that is difficult to see and difficult to clean off. If the stylus has just a little dirt on it distortion will be present! But if you are careful you can remove it with a good stylus cleaner. Have you tried this?

I regularly clean the stylus with Audio Technica stylus fluid and its brush. I never hear this distortion on new LPs.

@atmasphere  What would you recommend as a "good stylus cleaner"?

Thank you,
Don

Hey all, not to sure about this, but it seems to me I read in the past, if one plays old worn out records this will wear / alter the new tip out faster than anything. I am sure those that know have a definitive answer for this comment.

Best,
Steve