Also not a native, but very happy to be a resident!
We fared pretty well with the snow but, compared to what I've experienced for most of my life further north, it was a minor weather event. Another reason I'm happy to live here.
Joe
I can't speak to the Snells but will repeat my previous statement:
"I have owned a pair of these and would gladly pay $199 for a decent pair. In my opinion, it would be hard to find a better bang-for-the-buck speaker at that price."
Good luck!
It could be that the tonearm lift arm is adjusted too low. Take a look at the gap between the tonearm and lift arm when the lift arm is down. There should be a gap but it shouldn't be too big. The lift mechanism may be functioning properly but isn't starting to lift the tonearm soon enough.