Is there a stereo receiver good sound compact size

Not a receiver. Yamaha, Denon, and Onkyo make some of the better minisystems. Beyond that, I'd look at Parasound's 'Z' line.

Linn Classik. All you need is speakers (receiver and CD player built in). Dimensions about 12.5"W x 13"D x 3.25"H.
Sounds great.

NAD makes a CD/DVD Receiver. Various models over the years. This is the current model (L53).

[url]http://www.nadelectronics.com/dvd_players/L53_shortform.htm[/url]

The old NAD CD Receiver was the L40. Might be used ones around.

Integra Research (Onkyo) makes a 5.1 channel compact DVD receiver. Model DSR-7.3

the linn...also the outlaw(receiver only)....lots of good vintage ones

I'll second the parasound line.