Balanced HD800 cable - looking for solutions

We have a problem, and need a resolution. My ONLY intent of this thread is to resolve the issue for how people with (only) balanced amps will be able to use their HD800 balanced, Day 1.

The sad part of all this is that Senn has finally (from all published accounts) made a decent SE cable - but, I will never be able to use it because I don't have a SE amp.

Facts on the ground: Senn will ship HD800 with single ended terminations only, as it has been in time immemorial, which is to be expected.

But, there has always been the ability to order replacement cables from which can be made any number of alternate terminations, whether dual 3pin XLR, single 4pin XLR, and all sorts of adapter thingies. That dose NOT seem to be the case currently.

I, for one, will not accept an 'adapter thingie', but demand a direct termination to dual XLR, and will do whatever I have to (including hacking the stock cable) to make that happen.

Day 1, you CANNOT hack the SE cable to XLR without waiving the ability to return the unit, for whatever reason, hence just not prudent.

So, what are the options?

1. Have a second cable ordered - which we have no indications whatsoever that this is an option Day 1, nor what that option will cost, IFF available.

2. Get some verification regarding EXACTLY which Lemo connector is being used. Is it indeed the FGG.00.302.CLAD35, FFA.0S.302.CLAZ or something proprietary though made by Lemo? That way we can reterminate something (preferrably an existing aftermarket cable) and be ready Day 1.

Worst of all possible cases is that this will be a replacement part only available through Sennheiser, which will only be available after the units shipped, meaning I will have an (allegedly) awesome headphone, but, not able to use it (without screwing my return options).

Just taking a shot is also not an option - at $20-35 PER CONNECTOR, we need to get this right. I have posted, pm'd, and emailed this query all over, but have had zero response from anything resembling official from Sennheiser. Note even the one claimed option does NOT have actual connectors on their photo.

Guesses will NOT be acceptable, so let's leave the speculation out - 'looks like' or coulda / shoulda / woulda will not help. We need definition, and we need it (at least) a few weeks before the initial deliveries, giving time to actually source the connectors.

Sorry, but time this has it's own dedicated thread. Poke fun at the other aftermarket cables somewhere else.

Day 1, you CANNOT hack the SE cable to XLR without waiving the ability to return the unit, for whatever reason, hence just not prudent. Unless Tyll / Headroom, TTVJ and Moon Audio will take them back, after we have hacked on them, which I doubt.

I am absolutely fine with hacking the stock cable, so long as I have one should I sell later, or can return it, should something very unlikely occur.

Obviates the '30 day no questions return', which, I strongly means 'unless you have hacked the cable'.

Nope, no converters that I am aware of, but every 'adapter' thingie has always sounded lesser than the direct reterminations.

That is just a penalty to balanced users - oh, and then they will only sell as balanced, which may be no big deal.

But, the other issue is Day 1 - you can reterminate, but I may, or not be able to. Good thing Alex lives close, and can possibly reterminate them Day 1 - but, many others will have to send them off for retermination, and, thus NOT Day 1. That is the worst part - having a shiny new toy that needs to be sent off for mods.

It may also have to do with I would expect a better solution for the flagship product, or, just fewer obstacles. Even more ironic that Jude observed how the standard connectors would please the DIY community - yes, well, if we knew what the part numbers were, and pending their availability.