One simple step forward is a linear cermet 1meg pot with a law faking
resistor to bring it down to 100k or 10k or whatever you want - that
should improve over conductive plastic.

I use 12 way cheap Lorlin switches as shunt attenuators in balanced
mode - simple and effective. I can live with 12 steps (now don't take
that the wrong way....)

I do believe stepped attenuators beat the rest - including Alps blue
and Black Beauties (I've used both). I have some Elma ones with gold
contacts. These are currently available.from various sources.
http://www.hificollective.co.uk/comp...tiometers.html is
one.

There was a firm called Sussex Surplus which used to do big silver
contact switches - I think they changed their name - anyone know?