skipping problem - Marantz TT-15S1


I just got my new Marantz hooked up. It's sounds amazing, but it skips when it nears the middle of every record. I have tried playing with the counterbalance on the tonearm, but it's had no effect on the problem. Would adjusting the tonearm height help?

Any other suggestions?

Thanks, in advance, for the help.
storguso
Yeah, i tried it with the screw completely out, and it didn't solve the problem.

I talked to Marantz today (after being on hold for over an hour) and the dude on the phone said it was most likely a defective cartridge or tonearm, but they couldn't deal with me directly. I need to call the dealer and switch them out.
sure. If the cartridge was mounted and torque put on the arm bearing they usually catch a flat spot (this is why linn suggests mounting cartriges with the arm removed from the table) once there is a flat spot the bearing "sticks at the flat spot
Well, i mounted the cartridge before attaching the arm to the table. Do you think this could still be the problem. If so, how would i fix it?

It looks like i am getting shipped a replacement arm and cartridge and i can mix and match and hopefully something will work.