plug & play head lights

There is no one correct answer.
However 'one wire' alternator's have disadvantages and in no way fit with the OP's requirement for 'cheap and easy' improvement.
A fairly thorough explanation here regarding 'one wire' advantages and disadvantages.
Self-exiting alternators: Alternator Bible Tech Article by BillaVista


Links and photos regarding the decent and junky versions of the GE Nighthawk H6024NH
Crackedback's Harness