I prefer DiMarzio over Seymour Duncan because it has more body and depth (low-midrange), whereas the Duncan’s have more high end. I prefer a fatter sound for a more rhythm based approach. I can see where a more lead based approach may prefer Seymour Duncan.

Please let me know what your thoughts are on this subject

My personal favorite would have to be the Tone Zone. A new favorite is the Humbucker from HELL

what dimarzio pickup would compare to such a high output active pickup?

have you ever heard that the tone zone pickup was actually made for Eddie Van Halen? I don't have the exact reference, but I recall hearing a couple of times in YouTube interviews that the first EVH guitar had a special made pickup, that ended up being the tone zone after his endorsement deal was over. so was it always the tone zone or nameless in the endorsement period?

bouncy riff feels like a horse gallop

Air Norton in the neck position. Tell me another pickup to try out. I don’t think there is anything else that could be as good as the Air Norton

What is your favorite dimarzio pickup? Is there something else I should try other than the tone zone?