Furutech Audio Reference III XLR Interconnect Cable (Pair)

The Furutech Audio Reference III XLR is Furutech's top-of-the-line balanced interconnect cable, engineered to the highest standard of their Pure Transmission philosophy. Available at Vinyl Sound Toronto, Canada, the Reference III XLR delivers the ultimate in resolution, dynamics, and noise rejection — making it the interconnect of choice for audiophiles who demand the absolute best from their balanced hi-fi systems.

At the heart of the Reference III is a combination of technologies found nowhere else at this level: Alpha (α) OCC conductors treated with Furutech's two-stage cryogenic and demagnetization process, a double-shielding architecture, and the proprietary Formula GC-303 Antimagnetic EMI-Absorbent Modules that surround each cable — a unique hexagonal structure that eliminates radiated noise, lowers the noise floor, and allows the music's natural detail and dynamics to emerge without artificial edge or fatigue.

What makes the Furutech Reference III XLR exceptional?

Most high-end interconnects attempt to convey detail by emphasising transients and edge definition. The Reference III takes the opposite approach — by eliminating inter-note noise rather than adding artificial sharpness, it reveals genuine resolution that is both extraordinary and completely fatigue-free. As reviewer Srajan Ebaen of 6moons.com observed, the Reference III is "ultra resolved" yet "never fatigues even at elevated levels."

The GC-303 modules are central to this character. By absorbing EMI and antimagnetic interference along the full length of the cable — not just at the connectors — the Reference III achieves a noise floor that competing cables cannot match. The result is a deeper, tighter bass, more naturally defined imaging, and a sense of ease and authority across the entire frequency range.

Key features

• Alpha (α) OCC conductors — 30-strand, 0.18mm per strand — treated with Furutech's two-stage cryogenic and demagnetization process
• Double-shielding: Shield 1 is a braided Alpha conductor braid at 80% density; Shield 2 is the proprietary Formula GC-303 Antimagnetic EMI-Absorbent Module
• Formula GC-303 modules surround each cable to eliminate radiated noise and lower the noise floor across the full frequency range
• Air-foamed HDPE insulation (30% air content) reduces capacitance and damps vibration
• High-performance rhodium-plated FP-601M (R) / FP-602F (R) XLR connectors — nonmagnetic phosphor bronze pins for stable, low-resistance signal transfer
• Nylon yarn braid outer jacket with non-woven fabric wrap for durability and flexibility
• Results in greater resolution, powerful dynamics, and an ultra-quiet soundstage free from presence-region glare
• GC-303 delivers deeper, tighter bass that forms a solid foundation for the full frequency range
• Natural, unforced detail reveals nuance and energy for a consistently engaging musical experience

Specifications

Cable construction

Electrical properties

Connectors

What the critics say

"The Furutech cables patently don't cause this [fatigue]. However, they are exceptionally detailed. I can't help but think that the hexagonal barrel innards [Formula GC-303 Modules] are at least somewhat responsible for this wealth of clearly intelligible inner detail. Rather than throwing detail at you, they throw out inter-note noise. While the end result might seem the same — more detail — the way it communicates is very different. Put plainly, the Furutechs never fatigue even at elevated levels yet they do remain ultra resolved." — Srajan Ebaen, 6moons.com

Frequently asked questions

What is the Furutech Reference III XLR?

The Furutech Audio Reference III XLR is Furutech's flagship balanced interconnect cable. It uses Alpha OCC conductors treated with a two-stage cryogenic and demagnetization process, a dual-shielding architecture, and proprietary Formula GC-303 Antimagnetic EMI-Absorbent Modules to deliver reference-grade resolution and an ultra-quiet noise floor in balanced hi-fi systems.

What is Formula GC-303 and what does it do?

Formula GC-303 is Furutech's proprietary antimagnetic EMI-absorbent module — a hexagonal structure that surrounds the full length of the Reference III cable. Rather than simply shielding at the connectors, GC-303 absorbs electromagnetic interference and radiated noise along the entire cable run, resulting in a significantly lower noise floor, deeper and tighter bass, and more naturally revealed musical detail without artificial edge or listening fatigue.

What is the difference between Alpha OCC and standard OFC conductors?

Alpha OCC (Ohno Continuous Casting) copper is drawn into a single long crystal structure, eliminating the grain boundaries found in standard OFC copper. These boundaries act as barriers that scatter the audio signal and introduce distortion. OCC copper conducts the signal in a continuous, uninterrupted path, resulting in lower noise, greater resolution, and more natural dynamics. Furutech's Alpha process then applies cryogenic treatment and ring demagnetization to further optimise conductivity.

Why are the connectors rhodium-plated rather than gold-plated?

Rhodium plating is harder, more corrosion-resistant, and more electrically stable than gold over time. Furutech chose rhodium for the Reference III XLR connectors — both the FP-601M (R) male and FP-602F (R) female — because it provides a more stable, lower-resistance contact surface for long-term Pure Transmission signal integrity. All connector components are nonmagnetic to avoid magnetic interference with the audio signal.

Is the Furutech Reference III XLR compatible with any balanced component?

Yes. The Reference III XLR uses standard three-pin XLR connectors (male FP-601M and female FP-602F) and is fully compatible with any balanced preamplifier, power amplifier, DAC, CD player, phono stage, or other component with balanced XLR inputs and outputs. Its characteristic impedance of approximately 120 Ω at 100 MHz makes it equally suited to audio and AES/EBU digital balanced connections.

Where can I buy the Furutech Reference III XLR in Toronto, Canada?

The Furutech Audio Reference III XLR Interconnect Cable is available at Vinyl Sound, Toronto's dedicated hi-fi and vinyl specialist. Visit us in-store for a demonstration or shop online with Canadian pricing and expert support.