Anyone retube VTL 5.5 w/phono

The VTL MB-125 mono's are a nice match, of course, which I ran for over a year. I also owned the ST-150, which had a bit more slam than the mono's, but not quite as nice thru the midrange and highs. I chalk this up to the 125's using EL-34 output tubes vs. 6550 tubes for the ST-150. I also tried the Plinius SA-100 MkIII for a bit...very enjoyable with plenty of impact, but I still preferred the tube amps. Of course, you need to take into consideration what speakers you intend to drive. I found that ProAc 1.5's and Meadowlark Shearwater's were both great matches to the two VTL setups I mentioned (15x20x8 room).

I'm currently using a Cary SLI-80 with Grado's nice little PH-1 for phono stage. This comes very, very close to the quality of sound I previously had, with smaller outlay of funds. Can't wait 'til I start tuberollin' with the Cary.

Don't know if anyone is still following this old thread but here's my 2 cents.
In the line stage I tried a pair of NOS Bugle Boys as well as Telefunken 12AX7s both of which I liked better than the stock tubes but found it a bit edgy. Then I tried a pair of Mullard CV4004 which were selected for having close matched sections. I was informed that VTL selected the original tubes this way for minimum distortion. 
I found the CV4004 to have a nice balance bottom to top with just a touch of warmth  that helps smooth out digital recordings without giving up airiness. I also found them to have a great wide and deep sound stage.  
I tried another pair of CV4004s in the phono stage but found the combination a bit too lush for my combination. So I finally settled on a pair of NOS Telefunken in the phono stage. I use the MM setting with a high output Blackbird cartridge. The combination really works together in my system. Great high end extension, soundstage, etc. Sound very accurate to me and the Mullards in the line stage have that warmth to keep everything real.  The 12AT7s are all original, I believe VTL used NOS Sylvania for those. 
As far as noise I've had one tube in the line stage get noisy so I swapped the 2nd pair of Mullards in that I originally had for the phono stage and have had no other problems.