Turntable issue

Mystery solved! By removing the bearing spindle assembly, you can access two set screws which allows you to adjust the spindle height. One of the set screws was missing, so more than likely, the vibrations during shipping lowered the spindle, causing the drag. Replacing the set screw and raising the spindle solved the problem

@elliottbnewcombjr; I can't of course know for sure, but the seller did send me a video of the turntable playing and it seemed to work fine. The seller has been more than accommodating and I have no concern that he would take it back if it's not repairable (which he has offered to pay for).

@millercarbon, it was shipped in the original box with all the original packing material. Platter was taken off. There was no visible damage to the box or compression of the packing material, it all looked reasonably good (in other words, as expected when USPS has handled the box across the country).

I've checked the ceramic ball and that is indeed still on the spindle. Next, I will check the angularity of the spindle to make sure it's perfectly vertical.

The platter does "sink" all the way down when you put it on the spindle, but not the entire bottom side is dragging, so maybe the magnets are doing what they are supposed to and this is unrelated to that.

I'll continue to investigate. I appreciate all the suggestions so far and please keep them coming. This should be a solvable problem.

I brought it to my local store and they are taking a look at it during the week. At first glance, it seems like the bearing spindle has been pushed down, which would account for the lack of clearance under stand platter, causing the drag.

I'll post a followup as soon as I get confirmation from the technician.