Tim, I know the 103 has been all the rage for the last decade. But can it REALLY compete with better & more expensive cartridges? Some....maybe. But I doubt it will compete with the better Benz or Zyx or Lyra, etc. I had the Scoutmaster and found it to be a very good TT. I did upgrade the arm to the one with silver wiring and heard a good amount of difference. I have slowly climbed the cartridge ladder and am amazed at the difference which cartridges can make. I'm also a big believer in the importance of a Good phono preamp. I'm not familiar with the linn. But I've been down the upgrade path with phono preamps too and cannot stress the importance of them in the chain. I've played atround with isolation devices too. I use roller blocks (Google Diyumas) They make a difference but mainly under source equipment, ie CD player. I use sand box under my TT. I was also surprised at the difference a dedicated circuit made...and more surprised at how much better an Oyaide R1 AC outlet made. IMO, you have a very good start on a very good system. Your ears confirm that. Yet I don't see a subwoofer or a digital player listed. But maybe you don't need those. Like many others, I question your phono preamp and cartridge and your arm.
all the best
art
all the best
art