The 103 had the nickname the rusty nail over on wigwam, so for a long time I ignored it and didn't hear one. Eventually I bought a 103 and 103r. The step up have is set up for the 103r and is very good, it plays music but it seems you are going to be analytical so I would say don't waste your time and money trying to make it something it's not. I keep it as a second cart but prefer a Shure ultra 500 in a Martin bastin body. The 103 I sold, it's a decent cart.
Bakoon 13r Denon DP80 Stax UA-70 Shure Ultra 500 in a Martin Bastin body with jico stylus, project ds2 digital Rullit aero 8 field coils in tqwt speakers
Office system, DIY CSS fullrange speakers with aurum cantus G2 ribbons yulong dac Sony STR6055 receiver Jvc QL-A51 direct drive turntable, Leema sub. JVC Z4S cart is in the house
Garage system another Sony receiver, cassette deck
System components are subject to change without warning and at the discretion of the owner.