Hi Sean-
If you are looking for an affordable arm/cartidge combo - since they're going to be gifts I can't imaging your budget stretching to a couple of Koetsus :-) - I would highly recommend the Rega 250 or 300 tonearms with the Rega Bias or Elys cartridges. The cartridges are very musical, and the arms are considered to be bargains. I've used all four in various combinations in smaller systems, and they are very phono-section friendly, and make wonderful music. They're easy to set up, match together perfectly, and will last their owners well into their upgrade path, if they choose that route.
Good Luck!
Ed
If you are looking for an affordable arm/cartidge combo - since they're going to be gifts I can't imaging your budget stretching to a couple of Koetsus :-) - I would highly recommend the Rega 250 or 300 tonearms with the Rega Bias or Elys cartridges. The cartridges are very musical, and the arms are considered to be bargains. I've used all four in various combinations in smaller systems, and they are very phono-section friendly, and make wonderful music. They're easy to set up, match together perfectly, and will last their owners well into their upgrade path, if they choose that route.
Good Luck!
Ed