I just purchased a 2026 Lexus NX 350h and have a question. Although our other two cars have an original CD player as part of the package the newer models (including new Lexus' ) do not. Does anyone have advice for purchasing an off market CD player and where to have it installed in Arizona?

 

You can buy an external CD player, similar to this one Mini Car CD Player External USB/AUX Connection Lossless 3.5 Audio Line Play Portable - Walmart.com. But I believe it would much easier to copy all your music files to either your phone (better way) or USB drive. Your phone is connected to Lexus NX by Bluetooth, so you can simply listen to the music files. USB drive you need to insert into one of the USB ports to start playing.

 

Don't believe the NX USB input will handle this. It's meant only to use a USB stick with files directly on it, Playback of MP3/WMA/AAC/WAV/FLAC/ALAC/Ogg Vorbis are only accepted. In fact newer NX's only have USB C input not the older larger USB input.

Best to utilize streaming service like Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon etc. through your phone.

 

I have seen the NX will work with a USB-A CD player. Not all CD Players will work so you will need to find the one that will.

 

As long as we are looking for CD players, can anyone tell me how to put in an 8 track player on my 25 NX?

Thanks.

 

I still have one with the FM stereo cartridge insert. I installed 8 tracked for my buddies and did it for a living for little while. I enjoyed listening to 8 tracks..the entire album could be listened to at the same time. I had several... one got stolen after the other. We had local store that had a great Jazz selection. Eventually i bought a Sony and Panasonic recorder. Loved those times.

 

I haven't tried it but it may work.

https://amzn.to/4sOZCW6

Not sure how are you going to mount it and more though.

 

No, but I just copied all my old CDs to USB drive as flac (lossless) files. With proper software that attempts to reread CD several times you get better quality than you will ever get from on-the-spot CD reader, especially in a moving car.
Or you can buy studio quality files from Qobuz if particular music was ever released.