Furutech Reference III-N1 Digital (XLR) 1.2m Single Is a Hyper-Balanced Cable Engineered for Precision Digital Audio Transmission
Furutech Reference III-N1 Digital (XLR) 1.2m single is a hyper-balanced, high-end digital interconnect crafted for ultra-accurate signal delivery in audiophile-grade systems. Designed to meet the stringent demands of high-resolution digital playback, this 110-ohm AES/EBU-optimised cable uses proprietary materials and advanced construction to eliminate signal degradation, minimise jitter, and preserve timing integrity across your audio chain.
As an evolution of the acclaimed Reference III design, the N1 variant introduces refined internal architecture and re-engineered impedance control for improved performance in professional and high-fidelity digital environments. Built with Furutech’s signature α (Alpha)-OCC conductors, triple shielding, and vibration-damping dielectric systems, this 1.2-metre single cable ensures clean, coherent, and fatigue-free transmission of digital audio signals.
Reference III-N1 Digital Uses α (Alpha)-OCC Conductors To Preserve Signal Purity
Furutech Reference III-N1 Digital (XLR) 1.2m single is constructed with ultra-pure α (Alpha)-OCC conductors—treated through Furutech’s advanced cryogenic and demagnetising process to enhance molecular alignment and suppress internal distortions. This precision metallurgical treatment reduces resistance and improves long-term signal stability, delivering exceptionally clear, high-speed transmission.
The conductors are formed from 30 strands of 0.18 mm wire and surrounded by a low-dielectric, air-foamed HDPE insulator, which lowers capacitance and resists vibrational artefacts. This optimised dielectric matrix enhances transient response, phase accuracy, and inner detail retrieval in time-sensitive digital formats.
Triple Shielding With GC-303 Modules Blocks EMI and Preserves Digital Timing
Reference III-N1 Digital (XLR) incorporates a robust triple-shielding system, beginning with a dense braided α (Alpha) conductor layer, followed by a specialised fibreglass and stranded copper shield, and culminating in Furutech’s proprietary GC-303 antimagnetic EMI-absorbent module.
GC-303 is an advanced noise-suppression compound that surrounds the cable core and dissipates electromagnetic interference before it reaches the conductors. This shielding configuration minimises jitter-inducing noise infiltration and maintains the clarity of high-frequency data streams, allowing for clean digital signal handoff without distortion or clocking errors.
Reference III-N1 Digital Produces a Quieter Background and More Natural Sonic Presentation
Furutech Reference III-N1 Digital (XLR) enables high-resolution digital playback to unfold across an ultra-quiet noise floor, revealing microdynamics, spatial cues, and harmonic textures with natural articulation. Unlike many digital interconnects that emphasise transient edges or exaggerate detail, the Reference III-N1 renders music with tonal balance, organic weight, and zero listener fatigue.
The cable’s signature presentation avoids artificial presence-region glare, instead revealing fine detail through reduced noise and superior phase coherence. Bass extension remains taut and harmonically integrated, while high-frequency energy flows without smearing or edginess—making it a strong match for resolving DACs and mastering-grade systems.
Impedance-Optimised Geometry Ensures Stable AES/EBU Signal Transfer
Furutech Reference III-N1 Digital (XLR) 1.2m single is designed to maintain a stable 110-ohm characteristic impedance for AES/EBU digital protocols. The N1’s refined internal layout includes balanced twisted pairs, air-foamed insulation, and symmetrical conductor geometry, resulting in superior digital clock stability and reduced error rates during high-speed transmission.
This impedance control allows the cable to interface seamlessly with pro-audio digital components, such as high-end DACs, digital transports, and master clocks. By ensuring time-domain accuracy, the Reference III-N1 supports deeper resolution and superior rhythmic articulation across the frequency spectrum.
Reference III-N1 Digital Features Mechanically Damped Construction for Signal Stability
Furutech integrates internal cotton yarn wraps and non-woven fabric layers within the Reference III-N1’s cable core to mitigate vibrational interference. These mechanical damping materials stabilise the cable structure under dynamic conditions, preserving signal integrity across a range of operating environments.
The outer jacket, composed of layered flexible PVC and finished in a durable nylon braid, provides both physical resilience and vibration resistance. This mechanical integrity combines with the electromagnetic shielding to ensure a stable, low-noise signal path in both studio and audiophile-grade applications.
The specifications provided refer to the standard Reference III model and may differ slightly on the N1 version. For system matching or installation in technically critical environments, please check exact batch-specific measurements or connector configurations.
