Actually, I found the difference - with or without damping fluid - quite profound. I have a VPI 10.5i with a Benz Ebony LP, and that combination "likes" a bit of damping. The results are more air, depth..all the good stuff. If I use too much, all of the good stuff closes in.
What would I get out of damping fluid?
I've got an Audioquest PT6 arm on my Sota with an Audiotechnica OC9 cartridge. The arm has a cup for damping fluid that I've never used (and I understand the AQ fluid is no longer available). I am curious what sonic benefit I might get out of using the fluid? Is there any particular area of the spectrum that would benefit in particular? I'm not unhappy with the sound of my system, but always looking for tweeks.