Is the KAB Fluid Damper worth it if...

Ed, in past times you were pretty enthusiastic about the DL-160 on the SL-1200, a little less so about the DL-103. How has that changed for you in the last 2-3 years, and what's your current opinion on the DL-103 or DL-103R on an SL-1200 vs. the DL-160? And did you ever mount a DL-103 variant on an SL12x0 with the KAB fluid damper? I have an SL1210 M5G w/fluid damper, Sumiko shell, and DL-160. I'm wondering what the DL-103 brings to the party.

And +1 on your assessment of the Sumiko headshell. It should be the first thing an SL-12x0 owner buys after the turntable itself. In fact, whenever I think about getting another cartridge, I think of getting another Sumiko to mount it on. I won't be putting it on the Technics or Stanton shells I have hanging around the house.

04-09-08: Johnnyb53....the Sumiko headshell. It should be the first thing an SL-12x0 owner buys after the turntable itself.

johnnyB, hmm? must've missed this in the past. So, the sumiko headshell provides what improvements? I already have the fluid damper and use a AT150MLX cart.

thanks, ed

The ZuPreme Headshell is an alternative to the Sumiko.

I use the ZuPreme.

Never compared the two.

My experience is that the fluid damper is a must have. My cartridge is an AT120e/t which is very forgiving however it certinately tracks and SOUNDS much better with the damper. Other people think the Cardas tonearm re-wire is the biggest bang for the buck. Can't comment on the headshell as I'm using an 20 yearr old Audioquest w/gold connectors and litz wires.

04-09-08: Edo_musica
So, the sumiko headshell provides what improvements? I already have the fluid damper and use a AT150MLX cart.

First of all, I'm a BIG fan of the fluid damper. I added it after I had already gotten a DL-160 mounted to a Sumiko HS12 headshell.

Improvements from the Sumiko?
--Increases effective mass of the tonearm to match the compliance of popular cartridges today
--More rigid and less resonant than stock cartridge
--Much better headshell leads and clips than stock (worth $20 on their own)
--More secure and rigid mechanical interface to the tonearm with second alignment pin
--Azimuth adjustment, which enables you to dial more accurate and symmetrical seating of the stylus in the groove, resulting in better balanced stereo image and soundstage

The headshell weight could be a help or hindrance depending on the cartridge. The DL-160 is very light, so the Sumiko helps compensate. For a heavier cartridge, a lighter headshell might be warranted, but the Sumiko still brings better wiring, better bayonet mount, more rigidity, and adjustability.