I need to balance price against performance here, what are your recommendations?

I'm told that I need to have quite a powerful amp to drive these speakers correctly

They do work best with a good amp.

The Hafler 9505 is great, but it's over two grand new. You might be able to find one on ebay in the $750 range.

I'm using a Carver PM-350.

It does make a big difference. I was using an old (but powerful) Sony Hi-fi amp before.

Lizardpoint

Manley mono tube amps. Cuts some of the disgusting edge. BTW, why not throw those NS-10s in the trash?

Cos I just purchased them!
I know why I want them and I know their weaknesses, I just need to know which power amps I can use effectively. I mix on NHT Pro A-20's and love them! I ditched my Genelecs in favor of them.

Will a QSC 900 power amp work for the NS-10's? It's rated at 275 Watts per channel into 8 ohms?

yes

alright Limey - another happy NHT user - I love my M 00's!

I thought ns10s were considered 'real world' refference monitors. wouldn't that mean that any amp will do? Personally I'm a big fan of self powered monitors 'cause the people making them should know better. Don't you think a yamaha amp would be best?

Yea, like the 250W with the big VU meters. That amp sounded amazing on my Auratones, wish I had one.

Yeah...the NHTs are so great I use them for surround speakers in my living room. How bout a Theta power amp for your Yamahas. I think you can get a pro discount which would get them down to about $16K.