The better the front end, the better the capture, the less you have to make fixes (or even decisions) in the mix.  and it is a feedback loop - the better you learn to use your better front end the more the sounds captured sound like what you need in the mix.  It makes everything that follows easier.
 
better converters are gravy on the cake.  Again, everything works together.  Without a nice room, you'll record flaws and mix them into your work.  Without a nice pre or comp it is harder to work the sound at mix time.  Without nice conversion it is hard to capture exactly what you hear, or hear exactly what you captured.  Without good speakers, you don't hear as well as you should, and make bad decisions. 
 
With better equipment one can work quicker and more confidence.  I've use a WA12 and WA76 to DI bass most of the time.  Works great -  plug n' play 90% of the time.  Minor adjustments for levels and it sounds like a bass recording. 
 
@

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The better the front end, the better the capture, the less you have to make fixes (or even decisions) in the mix.  and it is a feedback loop - the better you learn to use your better front end the more the sounds captured sound like what you need in the mix.  It makes everything that follows easier.
 
better converters are gravy on the cake.  Again, everything works together.  Without a nice room, you'll record flaws and mix them into your work.  Without a nice pre or comp it is harder to work the sound at mix time.  Without nice conversion it is hard to capture exactly what you hear, or hear exactly what you captured.  Without good speakers, you don't hear as well as you should, and make bad decisions. 
 
With better equipment one can work quicker and more confidence.  I've use a WA12 and WA76 to DI bass most of the time.  Works great -  plug n' play 90% of the time.  Minor adjustments for levels and it sounds like a bass recording. 
 
@

That's what I'm shooting for, a better front end. I am taking more time recording now. I used to rush to get the tracks done and that's a bad thing. The tracks never sound as good as they should. This is one reason I am putting together a decent front end. It's all about capture,  not try and fix it later which your lucky if you can. After the dust settles from the Warm TB12 and WA76 purchase I will look into better converters as you mentioned. I looked at the RME and others and I know you have to spend a little more for better quality. a new interface is my next venture. Then I may spring for the Warm EQP WA  which is my Waves go to plugin.

+100 to capturing a great sound should be your goal. Not recording a so, so sound and manipulating it later. Everytime you mess with digital audio you trash it in a tiny way. 
Because a lot of us started life that way possibly we do not wish to change. But to me a computer is just a multi track tape machine. 
I strive to have each input sounding it's best be that vocals, guitar or bass. Once you achive this you can get a lot of recording done without fuss. 90% of my tracks go untouched once the performance has been nailed down. 
 
The pre amps on my Scarlett are sub par. So. 
I bought a Joe Meek 3Q to solve the issue.  
I know it's probably not as spicy as many other choices, but it was the most affordable at the time. When I have the cash I was looking to add the Warm audio stuff too. I sort of need 2 good front ends so I don't have to change settings when swapping out. The good part is the Joe Meek has both the Mike and instrument inputs so it's just a matter of pushing a button and changing the settings. 
I've been reading good things about the Tascam UH 7000 so I might go that route next time. Nice if your interface has great input.. seems you can't expect that in a $200 one. 

I received my WA76 Compressor and TB12 Preamp today. Just finished racking them. They look good. It's time for some experimenting fun.

Tear it up.