I checked my paperwork for my NAC102, which I had with 522 N boards. The 522 N boards are listed, but the price was combined for 102 with 522’s and a NAPSC (and there was a trade in of other items as well).
The 522 boards are good but the Stageline is better[small margin] You would need to spend much more for something better. IMO. I am keeping mine as a spare for my Cyrus Signature.
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For me, the sheer convenience of the built in Naim phono boards wins out.
Good Enough.
But… YMMV…
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They are virtually identically, its possible the PSU behind which create the differences.
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That’s a very… Naim… answer… 
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Naim Prefix + hicap = best bang for those bucks 
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I have no idea what you mean.
My comment is based on my own experience and opinion.
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That… is entirely fine.
What I meant was that Naim have long said that power supplies were important - and made a (signifuicant) difference…
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Just thinking aloud but a prefix can be connected directly into a nac 52, so this makes far more sense to buy than a 82 which will need a separate power supply to run a prefix.
A 52 will cost more but will save money not needing a hicap, and free up a shelf space so the overall cost should level out.
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Good that I have 2 Olive sc 
- one for pre, one for prefix, which is perfect
Yes they are rare - but when available, often in perfect condition
Point well taken. I am coming around to this.
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This might be a slight tangent, but I bought phono boards for my 52 not realizing that it came from the factory with line level boards on the phono input. The phono boards do not work of course. Is the necessary modification an easy DIY project, or is it best left to professionals?
Here is a picture with the line level boards removed, in case it reveals what needs to be done.
Were line level boards in there already and you removed them? The Phono boards should just fit straight in - one board on top and one board below. Be sure that all the pins are connected properly and the plastic tab secured.
IIRC the NAC52 doesn’t need any links cut, although maybe the last ones did?? ( perhaps @NeilS will know for sure by looking at the main board of your 52).
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Yes, thanks Richard, line level boards were installed. I removed them to take the picture. Serial number is 136870 in case age is relevant.
No links to cut for input one, they should slot straight in.
Regards
Neil.
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Thanks Neil. I’ll try fitting the phono boards again.
That’s what I thought. Thanks Neil!
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The 5xx boards are - IME - more tricky to fit correctly, than the 3xx series.
I have managed to get one dead channel… 
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Sometimes the pins can look like they are in when they aren’t - check closely.
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I’ve had all three (K boards, Prefix, Stageline) over the years. Very similar circuitry and sound IMHO (the Stageline and Prefix were powered by my 252/SC). If the Stageline/Prefix can be powered by the preamp, then it’s a good deal; If you have to buy a separate PS, then there are better values. In your price range a used Lejonklou Slipsik would beat all of them.
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