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February 2026
World Premiere Review!
One of the eternal struggles of audiophiles is getting clean power from their AC outlet. Many have gone to great extremes to get that pure AC sign wave. The most extreme example is the Japanese audiophile who installed their own power pole with a transformer in their front yard. At audio shows, I've been blown away by the size of some power conditioning units, which could easily be mistaken for power amplifiers. A few months ago, I reviewed an isolation transformer. It worked great, but it was large, heavy, and I had to take great pains to keep it out of my wife's line of sight. After that experience, I started looking for a more elegant solution to power distribution. That's when I landed on the Furutech gear.
A few years ago, I reviewed the Furutech NCF Clear Line AC Power Line Optimizers within my system, and I was impressed by how seemingly simple devices could make such a difference in my system. I always wondered if I could unlock the full potential of those cool devices by pairing them with other Furutech gear instead of the generic power strip I've been using for years. When I saw the GTO-D3 Power Distributor, I knew it would be perfect for my system. First of all, let's make this clear: the GTO-D3 is not a power conditioner. It is a beautifully designed power distributor that incorporates many of Furutech's proprietary technologies. The GTO-D3 uses a top-end audio-grade FI-09 NCF(R) IEC inlet. The contacts utilize nonmagnetic phosphor bronze receptacles with rhodium-plated contacts. Receptacles insulated with RoHS-compliant special audio-grade nylon/fiberglass incorporating "NCF" special anti-static and anti-resonance material formed with nano-sized crystalline, piezo ceramic particles and carbon damping material.
The NCF features a special crystalline material that has two 'active' properties. First, it generates negative ions that eliminate static. Second, it converts thermal energy into far infrared. Furutech combines this remarkable material with nano-sized ceramic particles and carbon powder for their additional 'piezoelectric effect' damping properties. The resulting Nano Crystal² Formula is the ultimate electrical and mechanical damping material. The receptacles are secured to the chassis with Furutech's high-performance GTX plates. The high-end audio grade outlet covers (106-D NCF) are finished with an extremely effective non-resonant coating. The chassis of the GTO-D3 is made of CNC-processed special-grade aluminum that effectively shields against RFI (Radio Frequency Interference) with special Fluoropolymer damping foil. The bottom plate of the chassis is made of GC-303, a special material that absorbs EMI (Electromagnetic Interference) generated by the internal fittings of the unit. The unit uses no filtering besides Formula GC-303, so AC resistance is kept to a minimum. As you can see in the photos, this is an absolutely beautiful piece of equipment that is both tactically and visually pleasing. When I communicated with Scot Markwell of Elite AV Distribution that I was interested in reviewing the GTO-D3, he suggested that I pair it with the Origin Power NCF(R) high-performance power cord. Who was I to say no to a beautiful power cord? The Origin NCF(R) features α (Alpha) μ-OFC Conductors. These conductors are treated with an ultra-low temperature and electromagnetic field process. The Origin NCF(R) uses special polyethylene insulation that withstands high voltage and heat for lower capacitance and better mechanical damping. It also uses Ground/Earth Jumper Technology (US Patent No.: 6,669,491). This technology addresses unwanted electromagnetic radiation from the cable. Furutech's "Earth Jumper Function" does this by incorporating a copper plate that makes contact with the mounting screws, grounding and stabilizing the electromagnetic potential.
Also incorporated in the Origin NCF(R) are a special wire-clamping mechanism for firm contacts and pure, stable power transmission, triple RoHS Compliant Ultra FlexiblePb-free PVC Sheaths provide improved vibration isolation, and polyethylene insulation. Scot sent me a 1.6-meter-long version of this impressive cable. While it was intimidating in size and heft, I was surprised how easily I could manipulate it to fit behind my modest stereo cabinet. I know this is an audio review, but other aspects of this hobby can be gratifying. As I plugged all my components into the GTO-D3 Power Distributor, I had one of those moments. Each time I firmly pushed a plug into a socket, I was rewarded with a "chunk" as it locked in. There was no doubt that a good connection had been made. Such moments allow us to connect to gear on a deeper level.
Whenever you do a major system overhaul, you always have that question just before you start flicking switches: "Did I plug everything in correctly?" Luckily, as I ceremoniously turned on every piece of equipment, they all came to life. Satisfied with a job well done, I started playing Ethel Cain's Willoughby Tucker, I'll Always Love You [Daughters Of Cain Records – DOCLP02] on Qobuz. It took only a moment for me to notice how the GTO-D3 Power Distributor/Origin Power Cord duo was impacting the bass. It felt like someone snuck a subwoofer into my system while I was fiddling with the power cords. The bass not only went deeper, but each note had a gravitas that I had not experienced in my system before.
My mind works in strange ways sometimes. When I reviewed the Furutech NCF Clear Line AC Power Line Optimizers, the first music I listened to was Tears for Fears' Elemental [Mercury 314 514 875-2]. So what would I experience now? I've probably listened to this disc more than any other TFF album. It came out after their split, and both the music and the production have a raw, edgy feel. On the first track, "Elemental", I quickly noticed how the instruments surged in and out of the mix. It felt like they had been infused with an extra bit of energy. This effect continued on the next track, "Cold". Roland's guitars had more sustain and vibrato. My favorite track on the album is "Break it Down Again". The main sentiment of the song is that all things come to an end, but that's not a bad thing.
Listening to this album with the GTO-D3 Power Distributor and Origin Power Cord in place, I was able to hear details that had previously been buried in the mix. During the chorus, I was able to hear the complexity of drumming with a complex sequence of rim shots and stick clicks. Overall, this album sounded bigger than ever in my living room, with more space between the instruments in all directions.
Since it was the holiday season when I was writing my review, I had a lot of Christmas music in my rotation. The one album I listen to the most every year is the Vince Guaraldi Trio's A Charlie Brown Christmas [Fantasy – F-8431]. Similar to my listening session with Elemental, it was all the subtle details that surprised me. When I had listened to this album in the past, I had thought Vince Guaraldi's piano sounded pretty flat. Listening to it with Furutech gear in the power chain, his piano had more body and sustain than I had recalled. Also, for the first time, I could hear Vince working the floor pedals. Gerry Granelli's drums also had more sparkle, and the timbre of his cymbals was spot on. Of course, Fred Marshall's bass had more gravitas than previously. I could also hear more of his fingers on the strings. Overall, I enjoyed this album more than ever.
If you want excellent sonics for your favorite music, I'd recommend the first five Winter Solstice albums by Windham Hill. It's difficult to pick a favorite, but Winter Solstice III [Wd-1098] never fails to impress. On the track "Hopeful", Michael Manring's solo piano had a spooky, realistic presence. On the Turtle Island String Quartet's version of "Veni Emmanuel," I could feel the dramatic ebb and flow of the music. I admired the superb recording of John Gorka's vocals on "Christmas Bells." The Windham Hill albums were the perfect marriage of desiccated artists and purist recording techniques. I treasure all the ones I own. It was wonderful to experience Winter Solstice III with the GTO-D3 Power Distributor and Origin Power Cord in place.
Conclusion Dynamics snapped into place, textures resolved with newfound detail, and the music simply flowed more naturally—every track felt more present and emotionally immediate. Beyond the sonic gains, both units are exquisite in build and finish, marrying form and function with real elegance. They are both beautifully crafted components, elegant in design and craftsmanship. I would give Furutech's GTO-D3 Power Distributor and Origin Power Cord my highest recommendation! They're not just accessories; they're precision tools that elevate the entire system. We're sure longtime enthusiasts of Enjoy the Music.com desire achieving the last ounce of musical performance from their hi-fi, I recommend giving the Furutech GTO-D3 Power Distributor and Origin Power Cord an audition within your home.
Specifications
Furutech Origin Power Cord
Company Information Voice: +81-(0)3-6451-3941
USA Distributor
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