More good news. Today I replaced the pair of vintage GE12Au7 with strong NOS RCA and I must say, the improvement in SQ is a very pleasant surprise. As in "WOW!"
Since the VTL-IT85 is the first VTL component I''ve heard/owned, I suspect that the component is rather particular about what tubes it is tasked with using.
I've used tube components for decades, but until now have not heard such a dramatic transformation. Lest my comments/ observations are dismissed as hyperbole, then judge as you will. For me, this is sonic reality. And as further confirmation, my wife, with the golden ears, was moved to comment from an adjacent room as to how much sweeter the music was sounding.
As big of a PITA tube gear can/might be, I keep at it, for decades, because I find valves fascinating on a number of levels.
I use the VTL IT-85 as backup for my vintage valve separates, but if the VTL were my only amp I'd be fine with that. It's more "forward" and a bit more brash than my vintage tube gear. So what? It's simply a different kind of presentation which can be a refreshing change.
I'm trying to source proper vintage Mullards for small signal tubes and my give the Shuguang EL34 tubes a try.
Bottom line, with the tube upgrades I've done, the more I listen to the VTL, the more captivating it becomes. I humbly submit that Luke knows his shi".