[JBMD]

I love my new CT200h! 45 mpg and great ride!

One significant short coming. The standard audio package is pedestrian, at best. Somehow I was blinded by the light and overlooked this during my purchase. I am thinking about upgrading to the 12 speaker 6 CD changer, and do not mind spending the bucks. But I wonder, is this even doable? Is there a downside? Any advice is much appreciated.

 

[jcpharm]

you will probably get better sound quality (at a more reasonable price) if you go aftermarket. i tested side-by-side the premium audio and the base audio - it was not worth an extra $1100 to me. The Bose package in my previous Nissan Murano was better than both systems.

also, i believe the premium audio is only 10-speakers, not 12 but you are right it does have a 6-CD changer (but who uses CDs these days anymore if you have a mp3 player?)

 

[maxa]

Im not totally sure how the ct is wired, but I think this would be a good way to go:

Audison Bit One for compensating the poor output from the stereo Audison - Music Expression

A amplifier 4-channels (front and rear with filters)
If your a bas-lover you could go with a 6-channel or two amps, but personally I hate when the whole damn car shakes
Audison makes really good amps. Read tests and don't buy the cheapest out there.

New speakers of good quality. Focal is a very nice brand, but there is many other. Go with quality instead of quantity..

In this way you can keep your stock stereo but get a good sound.

Drive over to your local car audio garage and ask what they suggest and what it would cost.

And check the price for after mounting the premium audio, I think its really expensive! You get it for 1100$ with a new car, but then its the price for premium stereo - standard stereo. Since lexus wont have to mount the standard stereo they can withdraw that cost from the car price and you only have to pay the difference of 1100$... but if your after mounting you will have to pay the full cost of the premium audio which I would guess will land over 2500$.

 

[Adam]

I got the impression that the dealership could not add the Premium Audio after the fact. I was in a similar boat, getting the basic sound system when I knew it was inadequate, but doing so bc I didn't really have any other options if I wanted the car in a reasonable amount of time.

The one aftermarket place I checked out agreed with me that a subwoofer is the biggest missing component as the current speakers provide absolutely no bass at all. I suggested a custom box for the back corner which they quoted at $750. That's for the one box to hold one sub. Add in the sub itself and amp...

 

[Adam]

I got the impression that the dealership could not add the Premium Audio after the fact. I was in a similar boat, getting the basic sound system when I knew it was inadequate, but doing so bc I didn't really have any other options if I wanted the car in a reasonable amount of time.

The one aftermarket place I checked out agreed with me that a subwoofer is the biggest missing component as the current speakers provide absolutely no bass at all. I suggested a custom box for the back corner which they quoted at $750. That's for the one box to hold one sub. Add in the sub itself and amp...

BTW - this was the suggestion as I made it very clear I did not need to rattle any windows with my stereo. I just want something that I can still hear well when driving down the road with my windows down. Not sure if/when I'll pull the trigger and make it happen. Not sure how I'll go without a car for the several days they said they'd need it.