A semiconductor with a p-n junction is classified as a diode, not a transistor, as it allows greater conductivity in one direction. Transistors require three terminals to function, enabling control of current flow through the application of a gate voltage. A triode, which is a vacuum tube device, operates similarly to a transistor but is not a solid-state component. The discussion also touches on the popularity of tube amplifiers among audiophiles for their perceived superior sound quality compared to solid-state devices. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for grasping the fundamentals of semiconductor technology.
The closest that I got was changing burned-out tubes in my TV (yes, I'm that old ). I've heard very often that audiophiles pay big bucks for tube amps because they provide a 'warmer' sound. I guess the closest analogy that I can think of is that of a very good painting (tubes) as opposed to a photo (solid-state).
