daveb,
No surprise that a straight wire bests a passively networked cable. Any number of straight wires can do so. It certainly is not a result associated only with ANTICABLES. There are many other cables that are significantly superior to ANTICABLES, but they often cost more as well. Do not think that simply because they bested a passively networked cable that they are the best in an absolute way. YMMV
Further, in regard to ANTICABLES, their innate sound is not the biggest deal. Read my review of them at Dagogo.com and you will learn how to use them - or any IC (I avoid passively networked cables, including ICs after several straight wires at far less cost bested them, imo) - in a method that will show single ICs are paltry.
The Schroeder Method doubles ICs, which can be assembled easily by the owner or manufactured. ANTICABLES is now offering ICs built according to Schroeder Method. This is no joke. You haven't heard anything yet with simple use of a single ANTICABLE, or any other IC.
If you wish to pursue this idea see the seminal article at Dagogo.com, and the thread that bears my name on the cable forum. Note especially that it is a "do at your own risk" endeavor, and the comments of those who have followed my lead. I do not have time to answer all sorts of questions about implementation; see previous discussions. Also note my review of the Audio Sensibility products, both RCA and XLR, which I strongly recommend for assembling your own Schroeder Method ICs as the splitters/Y-cables chosen have a significant impact on the result. However, poorer ones will not nullify the benefit of double ICs. Don't get chintzy on these products or you dumb down the results. :)
I have no interest in debating my conclusions and methods.