I happen to believe that quality preamp, whether internal or external, is absolutely paramount for top pulls; even in a loud PA environment. I'm mostly taping quite loud/very loud bands from near stage. I get some PA influence from hanging stacks above or speakers to each side, but a lot of what I'm getting is stage acoustics from drums, amps, probably monitors. These are not rock and roll garage bands but experimental, electronic, ambient. That kind of stuff. There's a huge dynamic range there in a 3D soundstage and top pre's really help to capture the microdynamics of the moment and that "being there" feeling. And yes, playback gear is equally important.