Sorry - a couple more newbie analog questions

Thanks everyone. Actually I do have a rubbery mat, it's a Herbie's mat so maybe I should turn it off everytime. I was also concerned if turning the motor on and off every album side would be taxing it.

As for the distortion it doesn't happen on all of my records but it does happen on a good percentage of them, say 1 out of every 4. I should have mentioned that the phono preamp is also new, Creek OBH18, and doesn't exactly have a great reputation for warm upper frequency range. If the problem doesn't subside after I have some more hours on it or with cleaning I may have to focus more on the cartridge setup, although the reason I bought this table (Goldring GR1) is that it's supposed to be pretty plug-n-play. The only thing i can easily adjust is the VTF.

I'll also have to do more research about Slate1's suggestion about overloading/heardroom issues. I kind of chose the Creek 'blind'.

Thanks everyone. Keep the suggestions coming.

Twl - a lot of my records (so far) are used classical $1 "specials" I see in my local Manhattan record shops so you are likely right about the software issue although several of my new rereleased Dylan albums also distort on the high harmonica stuff. (Although I suspect this might the actual recording, not the record).

After everything settles/plays in and the lps get cleaned properly the next area for me to learn more about is how to identify the problematic LPs at the store so I don't buy them! Any tips about picking LPs? I seem to remember a thread about this ... off to the archives.

Slate1 - good idea about the Dylan lp. I'm thinking that if the cleaning doesn't help I'll either post a question here on A'gon or even maybe just go out and buy another one for comparison.

Shasta - thanks. I'll have to check out the Fremer article you mention. Is that in a recent issue?

Mike - that's interesting. My Goldring GR1 is made by Rega and is basically a P2, slightly different plinth I believe, but the instructions it came with mention nothing about leaving on/off. I guess my worries are two fold - extra wear on the motor, damaging the lp. I think I will contact the maker of my mat and see what they say. The mat I'm using is rubbery and really grips quite well to the record.

Well, I spoke with the maker of my Herbie's mat. He claims that it is perfectly safe to change records while the table/platter remain on. I have decided however after considering all the posts above to just go ahead and turn it of each time. I live in New York City and with winter approaching, dryness/static become a major problem here. Also with Slate1's suggestion of helping the platter along when I turn it on will hopefully allow me to save the motor, avoid an accident, reduce static...

Vvrinc - my phono pre is a Creek OBH18. It is MM only and from the specs should work well with my Goldring Elektra. Since I started this post I have become more convinced that the distortion is a software issue. I've bought some new vinyl, all of which play quite well.

Thanks to all. I am amazed at how close this cheapo table comes and in some ways surpasses my Meridian CD player. I feel like in terms of soundstaging and imaging my Meridian still betters analog but in terms of tonal accuracy the Goldring is more "real". Rhythmically it's a draw.