Please evaluate my system...

@tim_field 

You have a very nice system and more importantly you like it.

You asked for suggestions so, if I were going to make any changes, I would first upgrade the cartridge. The Denon is a great performer for the price, but there are better, including some made by Denon (DL-S1). If you have a local dealer they might help you with this if they have any demo stock on hand. I like EMT and Ortofon generally, but I don’t know your system or preferences, so you have to let your ears guide you.

I don’t know much about VPI, but among the fans they think the 3D arm is great, so you could consider changing to that if you don’t already have one.

If you like the Linn phono preamp keep it. You could try some others to see if you can find something you like better. Sounds like you are in the UK, so I would buy something that could be serviced in the UK. There are many good phono preamps out there, you just need to try some to see if you like them better than your Linn.

I would make any changes one at a time and take some time to evaluate each change so you have a baseline for any future changes.

Best Regards,

Jim Perry

All good stuff. What aspects of the sound do you find lacking?

Off the cuff, have not heard that amp but on paper its input impedance is on the low side for use with a tube pre-amp. 60Kohm input impedance or higher ( a common rating for amps designed to work well with tube pre-amps) would likely yield better dynamics and less distortion. Also I would probably think twice about using a zero feedback amp (higher output impedance) with speakers that dip below 4 ohm impedance at some frequencies despite 8ohm nominal rating.

So teh overall integration of amp/pre-amp/speakers is worth considerations and some discussion and might be improved if you find there are issues with dynamics, detail and/or tonality.

Also of course worthwhile making sure speakers are set up well? Enough distance from walls to avoid early reflections that obscure detail? Isolated from floors perhaps if fllors are not a solid foundation rather suspended plywood? Fat or too much mid bass that obscures mid-range detail would be an indicator of that.

Tim,

I find cartridges are more of a suit to taste component: once you get above the low entry level, one isn't necessarily "better" then another. If you like the Denon DL-103. I say, stick with it - they make fantastic music. Maybe buy another different cart and swap every so often for a different presentation...

But, there are ways to get the most out of DL-103. I would recommend a Cinemag based Step Up Transformer (you can build your own quite easy). I would also recommend an aluminum body cap for the cartridge.

https://www.stereophile.com/content/bobs-devices-cinemag-1131-phono-transformer

http://cinemag.biz/phono/phono.php

https://www.denonaluminumbody.com

+1 srbedard! The venerable DL103 certainly punches well above its weight - and remains a long-time favorite of mine! And can be modded (change to a wood or metal body) for even higher SQ!