Lexus Audio Systems with Bamboo Charcoal Speakers

The Lexus CT 200h builds on the legendary standards already established by Lexus in the field of in-car high fidelity with a choice of three powerful audio systems.

Fitted as standard, the entry level Lexus Premium Sound System features a CD player, steering wheel mounted audio control switches and 6 speakers. DAB ready, the system also offers both USB and audio jack plug connectivity for the fully controlled use of portable music players such as iPods, and Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity with an audio/video streaming function.

Incorporating all of the above features, a 10 speaker Lexus Premium Sound System is also available, integrated with a 6-disc, in-dash CD changer and the Lexus Navigation System. The system features a high performance, Digital Signal Processing-integrated (DSP) low power consumption, 8-channel, full range class D amplifier, making its first appearance in a Lexus model. The new DSP unit consumes 50% less power than a conventional, analogue-powered amplifier, and is 26% lighter.

A Lexus first, both Premium Sound systems are equipped with unique, bamboo charcoal-based resin diaphragm speakers. Constructed using a complex compound combining bamboo charcoal, bamboo fibre and resin, the diaphragms are injection-moulded to a thickness of only 0.2-0.3mm. They are some 10-15% lighter than a conventional speaker diaphragm, yet 20% stiffer and with a 10% greater sonic speed. As a result, the sound is clearer and more natural than that of a conventional resin diaphragm.

The new top-of-the-range Mark Levinson® Premium Surround Audio System features 13 speakers and an 8-channel ML amplifier. Benefiting from the navigation system's HDD hard drive, the Mark Levinson® audio system also features a 'Sound Library' facility, using Compact Disc Data Base technology to transfer and store music files up to a 10Gb capacity.

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