Phono preamp for a Denon 103R cartridge.

Michael Fremer is a tough read for me. He's detailed about his combinations and has reviewed a good amount of gear. The inexpensive gear falls short of the mark of the hyper expensive gear, but it's closer than we think, seems to be a consistent theme.

There are several reviews of the JC3 Jr, one by Fremer in 2018. Another JC3 Jr review likened phono preamps to tennis players. Each one slightly better than the last, until you get to Roger Federer. Correlating somewhat with price, was my impression.

Fremer also reviewed my current ProJect model in 2019. Didn't dislike it actively, and used it to offer playable demo files of the DL103R as stock and with an aluminum cover.

I've ordered from Schiit in the past. The Skoll looks very interesting because of the adjustability. On the other hand, I've had to take advantage of their warranty with some of their pieces. I'm not sure that's the road I want to travel again.

You're right, it is an excellent affordable mc cartridge. I'm just curious what phono preamps folks here might have tried with it. Thanks for sharing your DL103R setup.

I have a Sutherland TZ Vibe that I use with a Hana ML moving coil cartridge and it's excellent.  I haven't heard it with your cartridge.  Ron Sutherland is a very nice man if you wanted to visit with him. He has a good return policy if you wanted to try one. Google it and you should find a number of favorable comments. 

Darlington Labs

I recommend you look at the Lounge Audio LCR series of phono preamplifiers.  There are three models, ranging in price from $420 (LCR III) basic model, to $610 (Silver), to $870 (Gold).  I am not familiar with your cartridge, but if it is a MC you will need a step-up transformer, which Lounge Audio has for $440 (standard model) or $595 (Silver Wire model).  I purchased the Gold model to use with my Thorens TD 126 MKII turntable and Audio-Technica MM cartridge, and I was simply stunned by the quality of reproduction, so much so that I am beginning to look at purchasing more vinyl discs.  TheLounge phono preamplifier does a wonderful job of reproducing music that sounds so much more .... .... "organic and alive" than many of my digital recordings.  Finally, they are hand-made right here in the US, in the Los Angeles area; I talked several times with Robert Morin, the founder of Lounge Audio and the man who, along with family members, crafts each unit.  Is it "the best thing out there?"  Probably not, but at the price it yields a superb performance.

Zarf

I have used 103Rs (4 in all) for many years.

During that time I also upgraded to my Phono Preamp to a Zesto Andros 1.2.  It is a very flexible Pre (lots of Ohm settings, even separate L/R grounds) and sounded great with the 103Rs.  

It uses 4 12Ax7 tubes (2 per channel and inexpensive to replace) and to my ear, it out performs SS options. 

Because it is an older model, second-hand units are quite inexpensive on AG and elsewhere.

Lastly, the Owner/Designer, George, still answers the phone himself (I called him to chat about tube rolling).

Good luck,

P.S. I am an end-user and not affiliated with the audio industry