Replacement pickups for 2004 deluxe strat

Have a 2004 deluxe strat with stick SCN pickups with S1 switch. I've always felt they don't truly embody the true strat quack, bell sound, what have you.

Is it more complicated to replace pickups with the S1 switch n stuff involved? I don't feel strongly about have 10 settings. Just need the standard 5 good ones. Might even get a new volume dial without the switch.

What pickups do you recommend? I've been reading a lot about replacement pickups and it's kind of overwhelming. I want good ones, vintage tone. I could spend around $200 if needed. Also, are most nice pickups coming noiseless these days or is a lot lost when that is done?

Thanks so much.

It may sound crazy but like you, I wasn't impressed either. So I went with Lace Sensors.

I have an american deluxe V neck strat in honey blond. It had the red pickguard which I wasn't crazy about either. I also decided I didn't need the S1 at all. I got a genuine fender pearloid pickguard, cream knobs/switch tip, cream Lace Sensor golds, an oak grigsby/fender 5 way switch and new pots. I am now very happy with the guitar. The lace sensors kinda seem like older technology but I really like them and they have some beautiful bell tones, especially in the quack positions. I don't miss the s1 at all either.

The best part is you can probably sell your original stuff if you'd like and pay for your mods.

http://i369.photobucket.com/albums/oo133/braderrick/665.jpg?t=1245047120

Ron Kirn recommended a set of Lawrence Micro Coils in my custom Strat. They are really responsive to the tone controls so you can dial in almost anything you want. They were under $200.00.

I also put a set of David Allen Stratcats in my MIM 50's Classic and I'm certainly happy with those.

You may want to contact Dallen, or Klein about their vintage series pickups. Very wide range of prices but all get great reviews. Both of those guys have sound clips on their websites.