Dr. Z Rt. 66/KT45 questions

[AdmiralB]

I picked up a Route 66 last weekend, and I'm really digging it. It's an older model - 1999, I think. What changes have occurred to this model over time? This one has a hardwired AC cord - I think the new ones use IEC cables?

Also the filter cap is a weirdo LCR can with three 20uF sections and one 40uF. I assume that since LCR is gone he's using something else now? There is a "Root 66" schematic on the interwebs that indicates a dual 50uF can and two internal 10uF caps?

Also, the Willcutt website states that the KT45 is just a Route 66 with EL34s...is this accurate, or are there other changes?

[iggs]

Originally Posted by AdmiralB

Also, the Willcutt website states that the KT45 is just a Route 66 with EL34s...is this accurate, or are there other changes?

Route 66 and KT-45 share the same pre-amp config and tone stack but different power amp, since Route 66 output section is designed around the KT66 you can't just use EL34 instead. Route 66 has a tube rectifier and works in ultra-linear setup while KT-45 has a solid state recto and does not run in ultra-linear setup.

[AdmiralB]

Yeah, I did know about the rectification. Still, there's no reason why the 66 couldn't run EL34s if one reconfigured the sockets.

Thanks!

[coreybox]

Can the OT take the el34s? (really, i don't know).

I'd guess that the preamps are not exactly the same either...the amps are not voiced anything like each other.

The 66 does use an IEC Ac cord now. Some components have changed, like the filter cap you mentioned. This was due to companies going under or not producing the part anymore, forcing the Dr. to find a replacement. It was not a design change, and i wouldn't feel bad for having an early one.

On a side note, the early ones like that have an interstate sign on the panel. this was corrected and the new ones do in fact have the route sign.

[AdmiralB]

Can the OT take the el34s? (really, i don't know).

Can't imagine why not. The tubes have similar load requirements and output.

I'd guess that the preamps are not exactly the same either...the amps are not voiced anything like each other.

I thought that might be likely - I've never seen a 45, but the clips don't sound very similar.

Thanks for the info!

[iggs]

Originally Posted by AdmiralB

Yeah, I did know about the rectification. Still, there's no reason why the 66 couldn't run EL34s if one reconfigured the sockets.

Thanks!

Yeah, I guess you could run EL34, I'm just guessing it wouldn't sound to good since Route 66 is built around and voiced for KT66 and these tubes do sound quite different.