signs your pramp and power tubes need replacement

Could be that the amp is biased a little hot. You might want to check the bias setting of the EL-34 output tubes. David Manley, the fellow that started VTL in 1989, suggests in his book that 27mA is the ideal setting for EL-34s and I have found that this setting gives that tube a nice rich sound. Measure the mV from pin 8 of each EL-34 to ground and divide that number by the value of the cathode resistor (Ohm's law I=V/R) to come up with the bias setting.

I just bought a VTL IT-85 and I the sound is great very liquid..... but my ears started hurting, not good......... Thiel 1.5, PS audio plus spkr wire, Nordost Red Dawn Ics. The VTL just replaced a Mcintosh C15 and MC122 combo. Now I did check the tubes with a meter and the Ohms are reading 15 istead of 10........... the manual says to take it in for service with any reading other than 10............ the DC voltage was good. I guess I'm gonna send it to VTL. Does anyone know what the wrong ohmage reading on tubes mean.

Thats not worn out tubes. Noise and high frequency roll off are the first signs of tube replacement. Swap in a mullard someware that will tame things down

Could you provide a few more details?

What you describe could be almost anything. A list of associated equipment and a description of recent changes would help.