yes, i am still very pleased with my biotracer especially after getting things dialed. in fact, i haven't touched my digital source in weeks. here's a little info on the PS-X75. yeah, i've a few records i'd like to clean to see if that reduces the dirty noise, but i have many more that are exceedingly quiet and most are just primarily negligible where it doesn't really bother. a stylus that digs deeper in the groove is likely to reduce such noises too.
local pick is ideal -- and if it is in good condition and a good deal, go for it! i seriously doubt, you'll be disappointed.