Speaker choice help

[Alexrose1uk]

Am looking at getting a Cambridge Audio A5 to power some speakers, to improve the sound quality from my X-Fi over the current 5.1 Creative set I have now, as from experience and understanding of pc sound gear vs hi-fi gear, the quality is in another league and will really kick the <censored> out of a pc 5.1 set with a sub.
My friend got the A5, and some Mordaunt-Short 902i bookshelf speakers, and hes really happy with them, however I wanted to try and get some other recommendations. Im probably looking at bookshelf speakers. My budget is approx £250

Can anyone also tell me if this amp is reliable, because being a student I might look at a famous auction site, and if I buy and older one, is it likely to go wrong/not sound as good?

 

[Alexrose1uk]

Hehe, thats why Im looking at the A5, and judging from my mates I quite liked the punch, and clarity, along with some warmth. As long as its working when they say it is I can be happy I guess, its more speakers that have me stumped, as my friend has his speakers new, so of course theres no way of telling what they're like after a burn in, so I wondered if anyone had any speaker recommendations, and an idea of thier qualities

 

[Alexrose1uk]

How are mordaunt-short's considered btw? I have to admit, the mordaunt bookshelf speakers did seem pretty nice. Also, unfortunately, recommendations will help, as theres a lot of brands to look at, and MK doesnt really have any shop to look at aside a small Richer Sounds shop, and the Mordaunt were about the best ones they had in thier, others being weaker missions (mini) etc, and without recommendations towards some nice speakers, I probably wouldnt know where to start!

Also, are Kef any good?

 

[Alexrose1uk]

Any further suggestions for speakers to go with a Cambridge Audio A5?

I liked the Mordaunt 902i, but would like to know rough ideas of what I can expect from say Missions, B&W, Kef, or if anyone can point me to a good indepth review site?