Do portable turntables have worse sound quality?

I have a Numark PT01 portable turntable that I use for sampling my records. I used to use a Gemini TT01 turntable but the needle is shot and didnt feel like spending the money for a new needle, plus my dog chewed the power cord off of it LOL. Anyway Im not sure but I feel like the portable turntable doesnt have the same sound quality of the Gemini turntable. Does anybody agree with me or does anybody use a portable turntable and like the sound quality?

The cartridges on portables are junk -- the styli are not even diamond tipped. It's not in your mind. Most people's cartridges cost more than the PT-01 itself.

bedouin wrote:The cartridges on portables are junk -- the styli are not even diamond tipped. It's not in your mind. Most people's cartridges cost more than the PT-01 itself.

yeah I figured it was something to do with the cartridge. Im actually about to buy a Gemini XL500 from a friend for $50. Either that or I might just drop $175 on a used Technics 1200 MK2. Im thinking I should just get the 1200 because it probably has better sound quality for sampling and its just an all around great table.

Yeah, get the 1200.

get the 1200 throw a nice ortofon on that bad larry.... and your gold