But I only need to attenuate my volume. Not increase it.So all you need is an attenuator.
Not more gain/distortion/colouration that an active preamplifier gives.
If you have a digital volume control in a dac, all that does is attenuate the dacs full max level. Which is what your after.
Or if the dac only has a fixed max level (no digital volume), then all you need is a passive attenuator like a $49 Schiit Sys passive.
https://www.schiit.com/products/sys
Cheers George