All the previous posts had good advice. The only thing I would add is to check the cable. Is it worn or in need of replacement? Is it attached securely?
Vinyl distortion - What's the problem?
The right channel of my turntable output is a little distorted, especially in certain upper-mid frequencies, while the left is crystal clear. I have a shure v15 (whatever the brand-new version is designated). I've tried replacing the stylus to no effect and the problem switches sides when I switch the left and right input cables around, so I know it's not my amp or phono input. It does this on brand new and well worn records. Any suggestions?