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.
Is the KAB Fluid Damper worth it if...
...that is the only mod you purchase for a technics 1210? My setup will consist of a 3" maple platform with brass footers replacing the existing ones. I really don't think I could do the rewire myself, and I don't really want to send my turntable into KAB. With just the purchase of the damper would this rig be able to get the most out of higher end cartridges?--Cheers