The eX3's CD player, the oCD-CX3, is a seven kilo hi-end player that has 'sturdy' sprawled all over it. It gave each instrument its due dynamic range and created a 3D soundstage which we were overwhelmed to be submerged in. What sustained itself during the playback of several CDs was its pristinely powerful soundstage that didn't seem like it would crack if one went at it with a sledgehammer. You want hi-end in a mini-system, here you have it.