Fair enough, Andy, and thanks. My hiatus from 'hi-fi shenanigans' was only liable to be fairly short lived, as my passion for it has always remained. It was simply that I was more involved with my other interests and hobbies, especially when life was more normal and the weather was good. However, with the lockdown situation and now the winter months arriving, my interest in hi-fi has been rekindled!
In terms of what you've said about the 103, can I ask if you've ever used it in a high-mass arm, say a typical Jap one with a detachable headshell, such as I use, or the likes of an FR64, or just on your usual, is it, SME V? If not, then that would ably explain why you've never got on with it, as quite simply it won't work properly on that kind of arm.
For a 103 to sound right, the headshell alone has to be (min) 16g. It also sounds much better when used through an MM phono stage, together with either a head amp or an SUT, than through a standalone MC stage, hence why I've put so much effort into optimising the performance of those types of devices I use with it, the Lentek being a case in point.
However, I'm glad you're enjoying the SC35C, with your EAR, which I'm sure sounds fab. As you know, I'm a big fan of that cartridge, again when optimally set up and partnered - and IME it's as fussy in that respect as a 103! How did you get on with the NOS stylus you bought, and have you added any further capacitance, by experimenting with loading?
Marco.