I admit I am as guilty as anyone when this type of question is asked. You asked us to choose between your two choices. And then we offer something different. For instance, I always recommend Gordon Instruments because I truly believe them to be the finest preamps made.
But in sticking closer to your question, I know from experience Benchmark makes excellent gear. I don't know DAV. But the point I really wanted to add is that continuosly variable gain is usually inferior in sound and quality to a stepped gain control. This is, in part, because the resistors can be very high quality with tight tolerances. You won't find this with a continuously variable control.
Barry