Exactly, why not just re-terminate a stock cable?
then you can re-sell the unmolested replacement cable,
and if you screw up, you're only out ~$13, and can try again.
http://shop.sennheiserusa.com/retail2002/ProductDetails.aspx?direct_cat=Parts&direct_prod=092885
Use the url in the bottom right of the image, perhaps? (hint: http://nekro.es)
which will take you to the worryingly named http://thirteeninches.blogspot.com/
What happens to the crossover in all of this? (hint:
http://www.harbeth.co.uk/usergroup/showthread.php?297-Biwire-terminals-and-sound-differences
http://www.harbeth.co.uk/usergroup/showthread.php?1098-To-biwire-or-not-all-things-being-equal
http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=29665)
If you thought that was disgusting, don't look at
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/11/13/ventblockers/
or
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2010/11/18/ventblockers_2/
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2010/12/03/ventblockers_frog/
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/11/06/dirtiest_pc/
On the software side, it would be interesting to see what Audio Diff Maker had to say about the differences between a pre and post HDCD decoded file
(It has gain compensation, so should cope with the 6dB difference case)
^ Why not do it in software (hdcd.exe) via dbpoweramp or foobar? Then you won't need the box (assuming your DAC of choice can handle the resultant 20/24 bit files)
He may no longer be the Govenor, but mere details like that won't stop him ...
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/arnold-schwarzenegger-announces-3d-governator-174327