I'm a bit confused. What are you listening for exactly? The sound coming off of the stylus directly into the air?
Yes. If the LP is properly damped it will be quieter. The louder it is, the more problems you are dealing with.
Warren's platter pad was smooth, and was used with a record clamp or similar, as it had a recess to allow for the label. But some LPs, like old 'pancake' Deccas, were flat, so he would use the clamp with an o-ring or the like to dish the LP slightly so it would make contact at the edges.