I have recently purchased a 2nd hand RX-300 and I’m totally fascinated!
Unfortunately I haven’t been able to operate the CD player since the previous owner lost the CD cartridge! The CD player is factory installed (in the glove compartment) and I know that it takes 6 CDs. Car’s year is 1998. Can please somebody tell me what make of CD player they used to install then; so I can try to find the cartridge from the local market? Is it a Nakamitchi?

 

there are two stereo models, the nakamichi, and the lexus premium sound system, which the nakamichi being the upgraded better model. for some reason i want to believe pioneer are he cd cartridges but im not sure. also im pretty certain the first model rx was only a 99. even though it was out in 1998. hope that helps

 

only difference with the nakamichi system is the speakers and amp. the head unit and cd changer are pioneer.

 

DJ is correct, as is Shonuff. RX was introduced in June 98 as a 99 model.

If your RX has the Nakamichi system, the Nak logo with Nakamichi in small print beneath will be on the head unit in the dash.

 

hey guys, that is correct with nakamichi unit jsut upgrading the speakers and amp, but just last week i had a 2001 rx as a loaner car and it didnt have the upgrade. to my ears it sounded much better, richier fuller sounds, with a little more bass punch. any ideas as to why?

 

The only way to compare one sound system to another is with all tone controls set for flat response (neutral/centered) and with volume absolutely equal. The first is easily done, the second virtually impossible except in a sound room, since the ear has very little aural memory. However, it HAS to be done that way. The smallest volume difference that the ear can discern as being definitely louder or softer is 3 db.

One system that is, say, 2 db louder than another will not sound louder in side by side testing, but will be described as sounding "better" (and those with reasonably educated ears will go into some detail as to how it sounds better). But the sales guy just fooled you. His system sounds better than the comparison system because he's inaudibly increased volume; your ear just got faked out. Compounding matters further is loudness compensation: the bass and midbass boost that is applied in varying amounts because the ear is not as sensitive to low frequencies at low volume. There are several compensation curves that are used and it's not always apparent when they are being applied, though neither the Nak system or the Lexus Premium (Pioneer) system has a "loudness" button.

Every loaner I've picked up from my Lexus dealer since 1992 has had the tone controls maxed out in bass, mid and treble. "Richer" sound at a given volume? Sure. But that doesn't make it a better stereo or mean it has better speakers. Having said all that, I don't know but what there might not have been an undisclosed speaker upgrade done as a running change.

But I used to sell stereos, and I know how to fool ears. The folks I worked for didn't do any of that, but that doesn't mean you don't know how your less reputable competitors work.

 

Get the cartridge from the dealer. For couple of dollars less, you may try the Pioneer cartridge. Check with Auto sound shops like Best Buy, CIrcuit City etc. Dealer solution would be at the most $5 more but will take the guess work/trial and error out.

After posting I realized the address as CYPRUS and the post has ref to harrier. I think Circiut city and Best Buy may be bad advice.

Salim

 

They sell it at this site:

http://www.irontoad.com/l_associated.htm

It doesn't appear to be that expensive.