I don't know if what I am about to say will answer your question or help you, but I am in the same boat you are right now. I am looking at and trying out a lot of passive devices. I have looked at the following so far:
Luminous
Goldpoint
Welborne Labs
EVS
Endler
Most of the above are resistor based with the last two being nude attenuators that you plug into your amp inputs. So it is good for a single source, or you can plug your preamp into them to attenuate the gain on it (which is what I am doing now, although my DAC sounded very nice through both attenuators). I have not yet tried the Goldpoint or Luminous and based on what I am hearing now from the nude attenuators I may not. While the passive attenuators I have tried to date are very transparent, they are very much dependent on the type of attenuator and resistor being used. System matching with the right resistor is important, which is less the case with a transformer based passive. The EVS uses a 10k Vishay and the Endler a 4k Yageo. Both, while transparent, impart a signature by virtue of the choice of resistor being utilized. The EVS are smoother, while the Endler are bit brighter (perhaps forward is a better choice). Each are very good attenuators. From what I have researched about Goldpoint, the ladder type attenuators are best, but that is more practical in a box versus nude version.
The Welborne Labs unit is interesting in that it is a remote controlled stepped attenuator. I thought about getting it, but as you will see below I was convinced of another option.
I have also looked at:
Space Tech Lab
K&K
Electra-Print
These are transformer based designs. I tested the Electra-Print and it did not work in my system. This unit operates like a step-up and comes in different ratios. For whatever reason they sent me a unit with a 1:8 ratio versus what should have been a 1:1 ratio. It was just too hot on the volume control with my DAC. I suppose I could have gotten them to send me a 1:1 version, but after more research and response to my discussion thread (on the Goldpoint), I decided to buy the K&K, which is a custom built model. I already use their ste-up for my phono stage, so I'm familiar with Kevin Carter's work. Also, the design of this passive uses the same S&B transformers as the Bent (which I like and which I hear may be re-introduced shortly). The model I am getting will have dual volume and selector switches (Seiden from Japan). However, Space Tech Labs could get a shot if the K&K does not work out. I was very impressed with Albert.
From what I have heard so far I like the passive approach, especially since I have a high sensitivity and high gain amp. I don't need all the extra gain from a preamp. What is left to figure out is if the sound is comparable to an active linestage. I'm thinking it can be, but like you I don't exactly know yet. I'll post my thoughts when I get the K&K.
Luminous
Goldpoint
Welborne Labs
EVS
Endler
Most of the above are resistor based with the last two being nude attenuators that you plug into your amp inputs. So it is good for a single source, or you can plug your preamp into them to attenuate the gain on it (which is what I am doing now, although my DAC sounded very nice through both attenuators). I have not yet tried the Goldpoint or Luminous and based on what I am hearing now from the nude attenuators I may not. While the passive attenuators I have tried to date are very transparent, they are very much dependent on the type of attenuator and resistor being used. System matching with the right resistor is important, which is less the case with a transformer based passive. The EVS uses a 10k Vishay and the Endler a 4k Yageo. Both, while transparent, impart a signature by virtue of the choice of resistor being utilized. The EVS are smoother, while the Endler are bit brighter (perhaps forward is a better choice). Each are very good attenuators. From what I have researched about Goldpoint, the ladder type attenuators are best, but that is more practical in a box versus nude version.
The Welborne Labs unit is interesting in that it is a remote controlled stepped attenuator. I thought about getting it, but as you will see below I was convinced of another option.
I have also looked at:
Space Tech Lab
K&K
Electra-Print
These are transformer based designs. I tested the Electra-Print and it did not work in my system. This unit operates like a step-up and comes in different ratios. For whatever reason they sent me a unit with a 1:8 ratio versus what should have been a 1:1 ratio. It was just too hot on the volume control with my DAC. I suppose I could have gotten them to send me a 1:1 version, but after more research and response to my discussion thread (on the Goldpoint), I decided to buy the K&K, which is a custom built model. I already use their ste-up for my phono stage, so I'm familiar with Kevin Carter's work. Also, the design of this passive uses the same S&B transformers as the Bent (which I like and which I hear may be re-introduced shortly). The model I am getting will have dual volume and selector switches (Seiden from Japan). However, Space Tech Labs could get a shot if the K&K does not work out. I was very impressed with Albert.
From what I have heard so far I like the passive approach, especially since I have a high sensitivity and high gain amp. I don't need all the extra gain from a preamp. What is left to figure out is if the sound is comparable to an active linestage. I'm thinking it can be, but like you I don't exactly know yet. I'll post my thoughts when I get the K&K.