Distortion during high frequency passages

Thanks Ekobesky, I just talked to the dealer and he asked me bring the player in, will post what he finds.

There are a lot of possibilities.

The first thing I would confirm is that stylus isn't worn or damaged. To avoid permanently damaging your records, get it to your dealer for inspection under a microscope and do not use it until it gets a clean bill of health. Unless you have powerful enough magnification, and know what a stylus is supposed to look like as it wears, this is something to leave to a pro.

It's winter, and it's also possible that changes in temperature and humidity dictate an a different tracking force.

Then there's the possibility, not necessarily likely, that your tonearm has some damage to the bearings. Again, something you probably won't be able to judge for yourself.

I guess it's possible that the record has worn or been damaged as well.

I guess it's also possible that the stylus and/or record may simply need to be cleaned, or cleaned more thoroughly.

But I would start with the condition of the stylus and go from there.