software

I have a strat, currently with stock pickups, and am looking to improve my sound a bit. The music style is mostly progressive/metal. I like my current setup, but was looking for something a little less muddy on the neck end. Since this is my first time replacing pickups, I did a little research and came across some things which I'd like some advice on.

What I'm looking for is a little more treble/less muddiness, so the notes might be a little more distinguishable. I was looking at both the PA-STK1n stack and LW-HS1 hot for SD pickups, and the DiMarzio Cruiser DP186. (SD/DiMazrio were recommended by others).

I was wondering if anyone had any experience with these, and could give a general idea of what kind of sound they produce (the sound bites only helped so much).
Thanks

welcome to the forum!!

the lw-hs1 is an active pup so unless the rest of your pups are active, i wouldnt go that route. mixing passives and actives can be done but is usually not worth the trouble.

to be honest i havent played that dimarzio in so long i wouldnt be able to give any advice on it.
is this an american strat with alnico magnet pups or does it have ceramic magnet pups?

It is an American strat. I get a decent sound from the stock pickups I have in there (not in a band at the moment, just random jamming), escpecially the bridge, but I can't seem to be able to get a good balance between the bridge and middle/neck (the settings I normally use). I have a Marshall valvestate combo for an amp.

Well that's good to know about active pickups. I'm more or less starting from ground zero, and new technology tends to grab my attention first.