I'll take HZs over Duncan Designs, V7s / V8s, or any other mid-range guitar pickup. They're not EMG actives, but they definitely hold their own and get the job done. Of course I'd take a Seymour Duncan JB over an a HZ (I'm not fond of actives). But if you're buying a Jackson with a JB (or EMG actives) in it, expect to pay 30% more for the axe.
Like I said, compare those HZs to Duncan Designs and V7/V8 (notably in Ibanez RG series) and you'll be blown away by the difference.
I'd have to disagree. Both my older Jackson with Duncan Designed, and an Ibanez with V7s sounded WAY BETTER. I'm not a fan of the HZ or EMGs or covered pickups in general honestly.