The LN1176 compressor is a must. Other than that I recommend the Helios EQ (very musical), Sonnox EQs (very surgical, yet musical), Pullteq EQ, Fairchild Compressor (I use it for bass), LA-2A compressor for general leveling (I use it for vocals), LA-3A compressor (I use it for toms), Brigade Chorus, Cooper Time Cube, EMT 140 (great for creating space).
Another one worth mentioning is the MXR Flanger/Doubler which I use on the main vocal to "steroize" it.
Per general I think the compressors and EQs are what are way above the VST plugins, using the UAD ones for me make makes a big difference.