There is a pretty lengthy thread about this very subject. You may trying a search for the LH3 system.
From reading I think some people like the flexibility of the newer preamp but the tone of the older pickups.
I owned a 44-02 for a very short time..bought it brand new actually and did not dig the newer setup at all. I found myself playing with the dip switches a ton to dial in the tone I was looking for. I remember the neck pickup being A LOT louder than the bridge when soloed. Decent MM tone but still very polite.
Never played the barts so can't compare.
__________________
He who has ears...let him hear....
