Replacing Manley Neo-Classic 300B

Trying to upgrade from my current preamp and it is a jungle out there.  Looking for improved resolution and imaging.  A sticking point is the attenuator.  The Manley has an Alps Blue Velvet which seems to get only average reviews.  All signal goes through these things.  Shouldn't they be much better.  Researched Khozmo, Goldpoint and others which seem to get great reviews.  It's just finding preamps with really upgraded attenuators is tough.

Looking at the Backert Rhythm 1.3, but it also has an Alps Blue Velvet albeit they say a modified one.

Decware looks very nice, running a carbon composite attenuator and of course all the good stuff, point to point wiring and great parts.

Allnic L-1500 looks promising and has a silver stepped attenuator and nice topography.  Sure, the Allnic L-7000 is probably terrific.....at $16,500!

I know preamp design involves whole concept, but I'm not finding a fully coordinated attack on the whole thing.  Thanks for constructive information.