I like the silicon diodes for punchy metal rhythm tones, but greatly prefer the tubes for lead. In the studio that's not an issue, but for live I found a good compromise by using the 5AR4/GZ34 rectifier tubes.
Some people have reported problems with the commonly used JJ GZ34 (too-small pin size, blowing fuses)...I tried them and had no issues... well, one failed but was replaced under warranty without question. The pins fit okay, however Eurotubes reccommended using a fuse 0.5 or 1 Amp larger than stock due to the higher current demand of the JJ GZ34, and I was not comfortable with that as IMO the amp would not be protected as well in the event of a power tube failure or other electrical fault. I found some Mesa-branded 5AR4 rectifiers, and have been using them (with the stock 4A fuse) for around 2 years without problems.
3-Ch Triple, '80s metal, prog rock, modern hard rock.