[paratwa]

I don't own a ct200h yet, but I REALLY like what I see with the car with the test drives I've done. The biggest sticking point is the stereo. The models I've looked at (non Nav) don't appear to take a standard aftermarket stereo. I've done searches on this forum and found some folks putting in aftermarket units but can't seem to get a clear answer to my question so I'll ask directly:

Can a standard aftermarket stereo be installed in the dash without "heroic" measures? It looks like the width of the OEM stereo is much more narrow than aftermarket, but does that mean the aftermarket could be installed, just not fully recessed in the dash?

I would be looking to move my Kenwood single DIN unit. Besides custom install kits needed to take up the extra space and provide mounting points, is this possible? What are the tradeoffs? Assuming I was willing to go crazy to get a single DIN installed just how much modification is necessary?

I really appreciate the help!

 

[leonar40]

To my knowledge, and from everything I have read on this forum, there are no installation kits made for the CT. Common sources would be Metra and Crutchfield, but they don't have anything for this car. Double-DIN is the closest fit, but as you noticed it is not an exact fit. The people that have had aftermarket stereos installed had to do some cutting / modification to the car. Most of us (including myself) decided to keep the OEM head unit and replace speakers / add a subwoofer to improve the sound.

 

[paratwa]

I appreciate the reply! I understand that there may be parts needed to mount a single DIN unit. Do you know if a single DIN stereo would even fit width-wise into the dash (with the face protruding and not flush, I understand)? I don't look forward to having to do custom work or have it done, but the ct200h is a beautiful car and I'd love for it to be my next purchase. This stereo bit is the main thing holding me back.

 

[midcow3]

There are a couple of problems with the OEM Premium stereo. The head unit is a fairly low end Panasonic. The OEM speakers are cheap, and the OEM is severely under powered. If you live outside the USA you can order a Mark Levinson which is a fairly good stereo.

I replaced the speakers ( 3 front dash, 2 front tweeters, ad two front door with tri-axial) and added amplification. This significantly improved the front timbre for CD and USB input. I did not replace the OEM Panasonic head unit so the AM/FM/XM are still somewhat muddy. Some other people have upgraded the subwoofer, but a subwoofer, but the subwoofer really doesn't enters into most sound unless you literally like to fell the sound, A loud subwoofer only masks the faults of the bass, mid and treble faults ...and I say that having a very high level home theater system including a very nice SVS PB12-PLUS
The really sad thing is that just about every current car manufacturer making cars today has a better audio than the CT200h audio. That is really sad. Lexus could have spent just a little more and outfitted the CT200h with a really fine sound system, but audio is one of the main places they chose to cut corners and it shows ( or should I save sounds)

 

[leonar40]

every current car manufacturer making cars today has a better audio than the CT200h audio

Completely agree. I test drove the Honda CR-Z before buying the CT, and that stereo is much better. Heck I've ever rode in Hyundai's and Kia's that had better sounding stereos than the CT stereo. Honestly I'm pretty happy with the sound that I am getting now even keeping the OEM head unit. I now have all Infinity speakers and a 10 in. Rockford Fosgate subwoofer.

 

[Bill]

I can tell you that the CT is on a list to be looked at for a installation kit. It may not be high on the list but it is on the list.

 

[Don]

Thanks for validating my feelings concerning the horrible audio system in the CT.

 

[rvpps2rocks]

I have installed a single din, and a double din. Neither fit properly and i think the easiest fix is to move the brackets holding them over by creating new mounting holes. I havent gotten to this yet. The single din was temporary but the double din i have is permanent im looking to finish it soon. Be on the lookout for a thread i do

 

[rvpps2rocks]

I have installed a single din, and a double din. Neither fit properly and i think the easiest fix is to move the brackets holding them over by creating new mounting holes. I havent gotten to this yet. The single din was temporary but the double din i have is permanent im looking to finish it soon. Be on the lookout for a thread i do <img src="http://www.ct200hforum.com/forum/images/smilies/smile.png" border="0" alt="" title="" smilieid="1" class="inlineimg">

 

[Apple205]

Good find. Thanks for sharing.