I don't know if the same applies to diodes, but guitar preamp and distortion footpedals, and power amps made with germanium transistors are considered to be the

I don't know if the same applies to diodes, but guitar preamp and distortion footpedals, and power amps made with germanium transistors are considered to be the best among older guitar players. Modern (digital modelling) amps go so far as to emulate their sound, so younger guitar players probably don't notice as much. Here's an article absolutely gushing over germanium's virtues for this purpose: https://robertkeeley.com/2013/09/germanium-transistors/ https://robertkeeley.com/2013/09/germanium-transistors/ The video towards the end does a great job demonstrating the difference. To my ears, the silicon components sound super precise, and germanium gives a natural, more lively tone. Modern metalheads definitely prefer the precision. Tone freaks probably would enjoy the germanium most.