I moved your thread to the appropriate forum (The Entry Level). Also, for some reason, when I moved it, the post lost its formatting, so I had to reformat (hope that's ok).

Sorry to hear about your experiences. I would recommend contacting Rega to address the issues you had with the compatibility of their parts / take some pictures / see what their suggestion is. Although, it seems to late for that as you now have a Concept :-). So likewise, you should just contact Clearaudio or their distributor Musical Surroundings for a suggestion/comment.

I understand not wanting to bag on the dealer, and that doesn't seem necessary.

Hi-if is unfortunately (and forutnately) a hobby which is spent much more outside of the armchair than in it (at least when first getting your system together).

I'm going through a lot of the same troubles, but I can say that there is a light at the end of the tunnel as long as you stay committed to getting stuff right.

Hope it doesn't cost you too much more $$$. That's always the most annoying part :-(

I suggest that you get a Music Hall MMF-7.1 turntable.

It will give you excellent performance with no problems. 

I have had the MMF-7 for four years and had no problems at all, and the sound quality is wonderful.

I am currently using a Benz Micro Ace cartridge, but there are many good cartridges available for $300-500.

Do not use a Grado, though, because they are not grounded and will hum...lol.

Use Grado in spite of the hum.  There are ways to minimise the hum.  There's no way to make a Benz or Clearaudio, etc cart sound human.  The palpable HUMANITY of the music is so far to my experience a Grado thing.  Most others only come close, regardless of price.  

Try the Reference Sonata for 500.

Music Hall says that the Grado cartridges are incompatible with their turntables, according to the product advisor at Music Direct. It seems rather foolish to go against the manufacturer's advice, but hey; being a fool is free and not against the law.

My experience hads been that the Micro Benz Ace cartridge sounds far better than anything made by Grado.

I have had several Grado cartridges over the past 30 years, and am well aware of their good and not so good qualities.

I have a Rega turntable and I have the Grado Sonata Statement installed. What a great combo and yes there is slight hum. The hum is not noticeable when the cartridge is generating a signal. Only when raised at the end of the record do I hear a slight hum. I own MC carts by Benz and AT and an IM from Ortofon and the Grado is my favorite.

no, it should not be that amount of drama and trouble at all!  I have never had any such problem with any component, analog or otherwise, over the years when buying new or even used.  You have had a very bad run of luck.  Dayum.