there's no way i'd pay more than $150-$160 for a trio of pickups.
any more than that, i'd say you're getting ripped off.
 

 
Cactus, I did something similar and went with this Little 59' Strat Bridge.   Stock Fat 50's in the neck and middle.  Bat, I almost pulled the trigger on Bill Lawrence pickups.  
 
Previous to this pickup, I had tried the SD SSL5 Custom Staggered (Gilmour) and an Antiquity Texas Hot Bridge.  Both were fine single coils, but I was wanting something a little hotter.  

>tlw      I do not find any loss of tone with the new Fender noiseless pickups vs. the vintage.  I own a forty year old strat  (purchased new)  and recently a new American strat and the only loss I notice is loss of noise!  But as people are saying it seems like there are variations in design (which I was not aware).  Of course, it might be an "old ears" problem!

I know we're talking about budget improvements, but I thought I'd include this for the opposite end of the spectrum.
These Virgil Arlo strat sets are $499! Check out this Allen Hinds video
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQUh0bt8BblRDde-Ne5NaAA?v=MgW7z9p_XzA
 
For when you win the lottery!
Michael

The DiMarzzio Area pickups sound great and are dead quiet. I would put them in my Fenders even if they weren't noiseless. They might be a bit higher than $150 for a set but they are worth it.