joshdfrazier wrote:7027 is the recommended type, but I popped in a quad of EL34's, as that is the only matched quad that I have right now.
You managed to score this dinosaur for cheap - that's good.
Did you make sure your output tube socket wiring is compatible for EL34? I made that mistake once - didn't make sure pin 1 (G3) is at ground - and wrecked a set of Siemens EL34 in 20 minutes. Once was enough. Some other folks have run 6L6 in these amps, and some claim 6550 or KT88 but I've found the glass on 6550 or KT88 is slam up to the transformer and would likely break if the amp was to be moved in any other way than very gently.
I do know that the 6an8 PI tube is shot, very microphonic and noisy.
Lots of pops, hiss and hum when the amp has been warmed up, and I suspect most of this comes from the aforementioned 6an8 PI. But there is this whooshing sound that occurs once you hit the amp with B+. I've attached a soundclip. I know the filter caps need to be replaced, but there are alot of them, and some of them 100uf/600v, which ain't cheap. Plus, they're all in multi cap cans that are not clearly labeled. PLUS working on this amp is a PITA bc the transformers weigh about 20lbs a piece. I'm thinking this noise is the caps, but hoping someone can confirm.
How to know what's a noisemaker until you clear a known rackety 6AN8 out of the way. Yes they're getting rarer as time goes on but until you have a good one in the socket, can't start blaming other components for making noises.
Even though the filter caps are @ 40 years old, Ampeg did select hi quality caps and I've seen most continuing to work in old VT22, VT40, V4 and V2 amps.
On occasion I've seen resistors going bad in preamp & power amp in this series of amps. Sometimes I've even had to look at the amp while on, in a dark room, and seen spooky looking sparks running along the length of dodgy resistors. Not your usual analysis method but hey, whatever works.
The caps that bring signal to output tube plates are suspicious too. Also way too big at 0.33 uF. I typically substitute new Mallory 150 0.1/630. You can pick your favorite brand. And smaller sizes to trim low end response. With 0.1, still plenty of low end and not much chance of leaky caps causing your bias to fail. Also take note that the bias supply is obtained thru a capacitor - and if that one starts going bad, output tubes will be glowing orange and melting down. Typically I put in a trim pot for the bias while tending to this end of the circuit.
Cleaning preamp tube pins and sockets can also reduce noises. Corroded connections, how well can you expect them to work?
The noises I generally associate with the VT22 are "OOF!" and the sound of my backbones crackling as I pick one up. Even a perfectly working one will do that.
down technical blind alleys . . .
through a brand new silver face Twin Reverb. The accordion was enough of a burden to lug in so I always wound up hauling in the Twin. Hm.. I wonder whatever happened to . . . the Twin Reverb. 
