I setup my new TT (Pioneer PLX-1000) and new cart (Grado prestige gold 3) and while still testing different records and making sure everything is adjusted I can say I am amazed!
I couldn't walk past the old TT without hearing my footsteps, open the lid without hearing it or close the drawer on my entertainment stand without it skipping the record. Now it is dead quiet.
And heavy, heavy as shit and solid as a rock. Beautiful too compared to my old silver box.
The cart I was breaking in since Sunday and it is quiet between tracks and has a warm sound with everything I've played from live indie rock, jazz, punk, country and blues. I haven't found anything in my collection that sounds bad or makes me want to put my 2m Blue back on.
So far the only annoying thing. Truly hate this but it's not a deal breaker. The dust cover is not attached.
I have to take it off set it somewhere it won't fall and get scratched,
put the record on and then replace the dust cover without tapping the tonearm and destroying my needle or record. And I drink sometimes... So..
But that's a first world problem I guess.
Anyway, I will update as I play more. Thanks again everyone for your stellar recommendations.