I've got a VT1 DIEQ and love it. I've changed the tube for a 12AU7 for less grit, and it sounds brilliant. TBH it's on all the time, as my amp (SWR) is super clean, so this 'GRRRR's it up nicely.
I recorded a short demo last week here:
https://soundcloud.com/paul_510/fretless-o-d-demo
Fretless Jazz into the VT1 into Protools - no compression or additional processing. It'll go MUCH dirtier, but this was enough for the track I'm working on.