...but besides the NS10's, what else are actually comparable for monitors? Hopefully something that isn't $1,000 for one. Anything Yamaha actually makes anymore that compare in sound reproduction?
Haven't used them myself though. I've heard that they don't really sound like NS10s from some people.
The thing about NS10s is that they really don't sound great. That's sort of the point - in fact, they were never intended for pro use in the first place. My advice is, get some decent reference monitors (Event, Mackie, etc.) and learn how to mix on them. You can always get NS10s down the road.