Description
Digital audio is not only about “bits.” In S/PDIF transmission, the timing integrity of the signal (jitter), the control of reflections, and immunity to EMI/RFI noise can influence how natural and stable the final analog output feels—especially in revealing DACs. The Furutech Digi Reference III (RCA) was created for listeners who want their digital link to behave like a true reference component: quiet, stable, and free of glare or artificial edge emphasis.
Why Digi Reference III (RCA) exists
Modern systems sit in a sea of switching power supplies, routers, displays, and wireless devices. Furutech addresses this environment with a multi-layer design philosophy: high-purity conductors, serious shielding, and dedicated EMI absorption around the cable. The goal is not to “brighten” the sound, but to lower inter-note noise so micro-detail becomes clearer without fatigue.
75Ω transmission for low jitter and fewer reflections
Digi Reference III is engineered as a 75Ω coaxial digital cable (specified as 75 ± 5Ω at 10 MHz). Controlled impedance matters because mismatch can cause reflections, which can increase timing uncertainty at the DAC input. Furutech explicitly positions the connector system as transferring signal “without reflections for extremely low jitter performance.”
α (Alpha)-OCC conductor with Furutech Alpha Process
At the core is an α (Alpha)-OCC conductor. Furutech applies its α (Alpha) Process (super cryogenic and demagnetizing treatment) to metallic parts, aiming to optimize conductivity and reduce magnetic effects that can blur fine detail. This is supported by the cable’s overall structure that prioritizes signal purity and consistent contact integrity.
GC-303 EMI-absorbent modules: shielding beyond a conventional braid
A defining feature of the Reference III family is Furutech’s Formula GC-303 antimagnetic EMI-absorbent modules that surround each cable. In practice, this is designed to help remove the “noise pollution” that can make digital sound feel tense or flattened. The intended result is an ultra-quiet soundstage where music develops more fully and naturally.
Triple shielding + air-foamed insulation
Digi Reference III (RCA) uses multiple layers of protection, including a braided α-conductor shield and additional shielding layers described as special fiberglass and copper wire stranded braids. The cable is also insulated with air-foamed PE to reduce capacitance and damp vibration—both important when you want cleaner transients and stable tonal balance from a digital link.
FP-106(R) rhodium-plated RCA connectors: contact stability as performance
A premium digital cable must have premium connectors. Furutech specifies rhodium-plated connectors for optimal signal transfer. The FP-106(R) center filament pin is described as a high-contact design made from nonmagnetic rhodium-plated phosphor bronze with a Teflon dielectric, and the RCA connector backbone is nonmagnetic rhodium-plated eutectic cast copper alloy with a locking shell. This engineering focus supports stable, low-loss connections that help protect timing and reduce micro-arcing at the contact interface.
Ideal applications
Use Digi Reference III (RCA) for any 75Ω S/PDIF digital link where you want maximum stability and noise immunity:
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CD transport / streamer / server → DAC (coax S/PDIF)
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Digital output of media players → DAC
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Studio digital gear with coaxial digital interfaces (when RCA is used)
If your system already has strong resolution but can sound slightly “glassy,” “flat,” or “busy,” a reference 75Ω cable with serious EMI management can be a decisive upgrade.
RATING
1.2M
(Type: Hyper-Coaxial Interconnects )
All metallic parts are treated with the
*FURUTECH α(Alpha) Process (Super Cryogenic & Demagnetizing Treatment)
FEATURES
Top of the line double-shielded α (Alpha)-OCC conductor interconnects, power cords and digital cables featuring extraordinary build quality and Formula GC-303 antimagnetic EMI-absorbent modules surrounding the cable offering greater resolution, more powerful dynamics, and virtuoso performances from all your components. All connectors are rhodium-plated for optimal signal transfer.
” Furutech might rightly be thought of as WBT’s elder Japanese brother. Elder and bigger … Shielding from and against noise pollution in cables has become more important than ever – and Furutech has developed a very powerful yet elegant antidote … Bravo.”
— Srajan Ebaen, 6moons.com
•Double-shielded α (Alpha)-OCC Conductors eliminate radiated noise
•Formula GC-303 Antimagnetic EMI-Absorbent Modules surround each cable
•High performance beautifully engineered rhodium-plated connectors [RCA FP-106 (R)] or
BNC [FP-3-117 (R)] transfer signal without reflections for extremely low jitter performance
•Center filament pin [FP-106 (R)] a high-contact work of engineering art composed of nonmagnetic
rhodium-plated phosphor bronze with Teflon dielectric
•RCA connector backbone composed of nonmagnetic rhodium-plated eutectic cast copper alloy
with beautifully-finished nonmagnetic copper alloy outer locking shell
•BNC connectors [FP-3-117 (R)] characteristic impedance 75 ± 5Ω
•Additionally shielded with special fiberglass and 0.12 mm α (Alpha) conductor braid
•Insulated with air-foamed HDPE reducing capacitance and damping vibration
•Results in greater resolution, clarity, powerful dynamics, and an ultra-quiet soundstage in which
music develops more fully without artificial upper-frequency “presence region”glare.
•GC-303 allows a deeper, tighter bass to form a solid foundation for the rest of the frequency range,
better defining the original recording’s venue. Natural, unforced detail reveals nuance and energy
for an engaging musical experience.
α (Alpha) Conductor Is Composed Of Fine PCOCC Wire Strands Treated With Furutech’s α (Alpha) Cryogenic and Demagnetizing Process
Here’s What The Critics Say
“The Furutech cable sound is easily described as one that completely avoids those peculiar striations that result from highlighting, the providence of certain silver cables that emphasize edge definition for nearly surreal image lock. Such sharp edging then becomes synonymous with etching. It gives a short-lived appearance of exceptional detail – short-lived since such sound is not only unrealistic but fatiguing.
“The Furutech cables patently don’t cause this. 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
SPECIFICATIONS
Construction and Materials
•37-strand α (Alpha)-OCC Conductor・0.16mm, 1.15mm diameter
•Insulation-1:HDPE 1.75mm diameter
•Insulation-2: Air-foamed PE, 5.5mm diameter
•Shield-1: 0.12mm braided α (Alpha) Conductor braid density: 80％ UP x 6.3mm diameter
•Sheath: Two layers flexible PVC (Aquamarine) 8mm diameter
•Shield-2: Special fiberglass and copper wire stranded braid
•Jacket: Nylon yarn braid approx. 10.5mm
•Shield-3: Special fiberglass and copper wire stranded braid
•Connectors: RCA [FP-106 (R)] or BNC [FP-3-117 (R)]
Electrical Properties of Cable Test Method
•Max. Conductor Resistance 25 Ω／km JISC3005 6 20℃
•Min. Insulation Resistance 1000 MΩ‧km JISC3005 9.1 20℃
•Dielectric Strength AC. 1000 V／1 min JISC3005 8
•Electrostatic Capacitance Approx 56 PF／m at 1 KHz
•Characteristic Impedance 75 ± 5 Ω at 10 MHz
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