Find a used Spectral DMC-10. They can usually be had for under $2000, were US made in Silicon Valley back in the late 80's, had they best components available and gold plated circuit boards to boot. They are all discrete components Class A, unlike the JC-3 which is based on IC op-amps (to John Curl's chagrin). If you need more gain (the Spectral will run with MC carts but may be a bit noisy) you can add a SU transformer and still be under $3K.
Sorry, I don't know anything about the Linn...
Sorry, I don't know anything about the Linn...