tracking distortion on a p5 + rega cartridge?

"Your bass sounds possibly too fat and your cymbals possibly dull."

Actually, that is how the music should sound for that particular passage (a fat synth line and dull kickdrum). I'm not concerned with the highs/lows, it's the distortion in the right channel I'm worried about...

The point about the way a record "sounds" indicates something about the cartridge and issues it could be having.This is very subjective and you must use your ears very critically listening for the small things.With a good table like a Rega P5 you should look for every clue.You should worry about alignment and not accept the Rega method as the last word.Many prefer a Baerwald aligment over Rega's as it gets better results with distortion.The sound and surface noise you hear will change with the cartridge model and alignment system you use.Records themselves must be cleaned even before their first play.The manufacturing process leaves debris in the grooves and surface of a record,which acts as missiles on the groove walls destroying a record, if the record has not been thoroughly deep groove cleaned first.If you are doing this(cleaning) and there is distortion,claim a refund or new copy.Many complain today about damaged new pressings from various companies.You could also have a damaged stylus which chews up records,do not play anything if ALL your records are distorting and get a professional to check your set-up.

These records are vacuum-cleaned before any playing, as is the stylus.

I guess I should try the Baerwald aligment instead of using the stock rega template. I just have a hard time imagining that this distortion is normal when the cart is aligned according to the manufacturers specs.

Oh, I should also mention that the distortion is far more active when playing the outer edges (beginning) of a record.

A good test for cartridge mistracking is to play the last track of a record and to assess how well a table is performing,but if you are noticing a change in distortion levels that is consistent,double-check your alignment.This can be laborious but there is no other way.I would be wary of the cartridge for the moment and not risk any further damage to your L.P's.Something is wrong.Make your sure cleaning methods are not the culprit-i.e double check everything.Too harsh cleaning can cause irreparable damage.Manufacturer's spec's it must be pointed out also are only a guide,things like required tracking force can change with the weather,if not a record.If you can try another cartridge(not necessarily a Rega)to see what happens.

Well, I ordered some new gear from needledoctor to help me fix my prob.

-Rega Exact Cartridge
-Geo Disc (uses Baerwald alignment)
-Onzow Zerodust stylus cleaner & some Caig ProGold contact cleaner

If this doesn't solve it, I give up.