I'd go with used seperates off audiogon. You can do very well for a processor for 1000-1500 tops (krell, rotel, arcam, lexicon, b&k), and the same amount for a 5-channel amp. There's a new Arcam AVP 700 processor for 1200 (which may not be a good match for blu-ray), and a B&K Reference 200.5 5-channel amp for for 1400.
I agree that the older Carver stuff sucks.
I agree that the older Carver stuff sucks.