I'm not sure the Sumiko is a good match for the Dual ULM arm. I would stick with the AT120E and simply replace the stylus. I just sold a Dual with that same cartridge and the combo was very good. The Dual was designed in an era where high compliance cartridges were the norm. The opposite is true today. But the Ortofon OM series, as well as Ortofon's new 2M line and the Shure M97xE, are widely available and match well.
I have no direct experience with the 721 but I've had my share of Duals from that era (and with that same basic tonearm) and my guess is that the drive system is at least equal to that of your Akai and the arm is probably far superior. You traded up, especially considering you spent only $20.
As for the dustcover: You've heard of eBay, right? That would probably be your only shot, but any dustcover that old is going to be at least somewhat worn. So you might try buffing it out with plastic polishes like those from Novus or Meguiars. If it's really bad, it can be first wet sanded, then buffed. There are people who advertise dust cover restoration service, but the cost is somewhere around $100 plus shipping both ways.
So...$20 for the table, $50 for a new stylus unit, $7 for some plastic polish and rags and a few hours worth of elbow grease. For well under $100, I'd say you have a very nice turntable that should be comparable in at least some respects to the entry-level stuff of today. Enjoy.
I have no direct experience with the 721 but I've had my share of Duals from that era (and with that same basic tonearm) and my guess is that the drive system is at least equal to that of your Akai and the arm is probably far superior. You traded up, especially considering you spent only $20.
As for the dustcover: You've heard of eBay, right? That would probably be your only shot, but any dustcover that old is going to be at least somewhat worn. So you might try buffing it out with plastic polishes like those from Novus or Meguiars. If it's really bad, it can be first wet sanded, then buffed. There are people who advertise dust cover restoration service, but the cost is somewhere around $100 plus shipping both ways.
So...$20 for the table, $50 for a new stylus unit, $7 for some plastic polish and rags and a few hours worth of elbow grease. For well under $100, I'd say you have a very nice turntable that should be comparable in at least some respects to the entry-level stuff of today. Enjoy.