I still use a pair of the original Kestrels. Now they are being driven by a 30 watt integrated. I hooked a 20 watt tri-path amp to them a while ago and it had no problem with them. I will say I rarely listen at loud levels.
FWIW, my ears much prefer the original Kestrels over the Kestrel II.
FWIW, my ears much prefer the original Kestrels over the Kestrel II.