I prefer to have only 1 CCT, but since there are still a few LEDs that don't have a 4000K option, I prefer to go higher (4500K) instead of lower (3500K).
So in terms of popular 3volt Hi CRI LEDs around 4000K, what do we have?
Luminus SST20... 4000K... CRI95
Nichia 219C R9050... 4000K... CRI90...
Samsung LH351D... 4000K ... CRI90
Nichia 219CT... 4000K... CRI80
Some LOW CRI LEDs around 4000K:
CREE XP-L2 HD V3 5A 4000K (Low CRI)
CREE XP-L HI U6 5A3 4000K (Low CRI)
But some are only available in other CCT and low/high CRI
So these are optional:
CREE XT-E R4 4D 4500K (Low CRI)
Nichia B35AM R9080 4500K CRI?? (this is 6V)
CREE XP-G3 S5 5C1 4000K - 4500K (Low CRI)
I'm probably leaning towards the Convoy S2 (not S2+) at Fasttech, it's only $9 without driver and LED.
Those xp-l’s have amazing tint and they are still 70 cri. The tint, not the CRI, makes them really feel like a high powered 219b sw-40/sw-45k mix. I use 5A2 and 5A3 XP-L Hi’s often when I want great tint, great output and decent CRI.
I went through this comparison phase as well. I did and still do it with P60 dropins, They are easy to build, they are cheap and they come in flavors… SMO and OP reflectors, triples and quads. I really do wish SolarForce was still around. Their dropins were decent and their reflectors were very well designed. Their drivers not so much, but that is an easy fix as well. The KD reflector dropins are pretty darn nice as well. They have a driver retaining ring, so no trying to heat the pill enough for a decent solder connection. I did really like the SolarForce low voltage driver as well, have used it in a few P60 aa/14500 builds, but they are long gone as well. Moved on to Convoy 4 mode AA/14500 drivers and with the 2xAA/2x14500 driver on the way, I can now get a decent driver in my dual cell lights.
Do any? Maybe between a version 1 and 2 emitter? Maybe in the Cree lineup with xp-l’s or xp-l hi’s? Now you are going to make me dig! Maybe Nichia with the early iterations of the 219b, I seem to remember 9080, 9050… were there others?
I remember when a cri of 70 would have been a godsend! I think that is why the xp-l hi’s at more or less 70 do feel pretty good after the days of the xp-g and xm-l.
Ok, and now I want them soldered on boards :D who sells them.
I don't like modding, so having them on boards is kind of a requirement, and available at normal sellers (not Mouser)