anyone else experience this problem?

Problems that surface early in a VPI purchases are best taken care of by returning the unit to the dealer and having it completely replaced, at no cost to you. Otherwise, your sanity of this defective unit will be with you forever.

I have the same "problem" with my Linn LP12. I was told that even though the speed is dead on, the belt is approaching the end of its useful life. Until I replace the belt, I have been doing what Elizabeth suggested above. In doing so, the noise is diminished significantly while the platter gets up to speed, after which there is no noise that I can hear.

Underdog, I can't imagine VPI designing a table that would knowingly make a grinding noise like that. It is somehow defective and should be returned as noted by the other posters. Good luck.