Surface noise

given the stylus age and gradual onset of symptoms a prudent person would replace their stylus at this point rather than continue down a path that could be damaging your LP's due to worn out stylus or hardening of the suspension damper. But who am I to say, I only did this for a living in the 80's

Davide256, so did I, from 1974 until now... but I was not discrediting your comments, FWIW. Simply adding to them.

Thanks again for all of the advice. The increase in VTF certainly provided the improvement I was looking for. I'm just going to back off of the 2g setting and see if I have the same luck at 1.7g. I am also replacing the stylus, as it is probably time. Will let you know the results.
Regards, Brian.

Increasing VTF seems counter intuitive, but one usually gets better tracking, smoother playback and ultimately will wear out LP's lesser if you edge towards the high end of VTF for you cartridge. Much of the clicks and pops one hears on old, used vinyl is from mistracking cartridges from previous owners of the records.

In the late 70's Shure was on a kick to lower VTF but most cartridges and especially today will be better at a slightly higher VTF.

NOT DJ SCRATCHING LEVEL OF COURSE :-) But using the range as a guide and adjusting a touch higher than say the middle point.

I suggest you test azimuth. Use the Cardas LP or similar with 1khz through the left and then right channel. Listen for crosstalk in the opposite channel. If one channel has more crosstalk, do the following. Using a hole punch, punch out a small round shim. Place this shim on the side of the cartridge opposite the weak channel.

Sorry, the Bordeaux calls must go now.