Cree vs Philips Luxeon LEDs

So, been saving up for a DIY project to replace my aging VHO bulbs... Was pretty well set on going with rapidleds cree's but then ran across these Philips Lux... leds. From what i've dug up so far it sounds like some people are saying that the PLs are better and even cheaper. Still kind of new to this so i'm not sure i'm understanding the argument for it. Could anyone chime in with their opinions and even better, experience?

oh, here's the link to the PLs
http://shop.stevesleds.com/main.sc

 

The LED description on the shop website is wrong or misleading. If you look at the specification of the sold LED (LXML-PWC2) http://www.philipslumileds.com/pdfs/DS61.pdf, you find

-typical forward voltage @700mA is 3.0V (2.5V is only the minimum, that is very rarely used in other LED specifications). Cree is around 3.1V, so not so different.
-typical lumen @1000mA is 320, not minimum 351. (no idea, from where they take that, but usally they just make that up) And that is, when you keep the LED at 25°C what is not easy in a typical setup. It is probably more like 80°C there.

So it certainly looks like a good LED, if the price is right. Just be careful with what you read on websites. Usually, you can not trust them.

 

yeah, that's why i'm asking around... definitely don't want to go with the opinion from the site it self. Main reason i was questioning the comparison is due to another DIY thread which stated that he found these Philips leds to be better than the Cree's after his research. Well, again... don't want to put to much stock into one mans opinion even if it's based on solid facts...

either way, sounds like i wouldn't be sacrificing anything quality wise if i went with the Phillips?

If anyone else has anything to chime in please do...

 

Iv read multiple resources stating Cree X* Series are currently the best LEDs for DIY.

I personally have been using CREE X* since January and have had great success so far.

 

Here's a quick price comparison...

Steves LEDs
16 PL Cool Whites @2.99 47.84
32 PL Royal Blues @2.99 95.68
48 60* optics @0.45 21.60
3 Dimming LED Drivers @ 29.88 89.64
1 Switching Power Supply 400w 24v @ 16.5a 49.99+2.00 Chord 51.99

Grand total of 320.74 (Before shipping/taxes)

Couple notes: Rumor has it this guy tends to be very generous with your order often tossing in a few extra leds... not going to count on it but hey, if he does then sweet...
This guys drivers are two part systems, power-supplies are separate... Each driver can handle up to 18 leds, so 2 for the blues and 1 for the whites. Wish i could do it all on just two but i want the blues/whites separately dimmable... I also went for the larger PS with hopes of eventually adding 2 more drivers with Cyans, Greens, and UVs. Not necessary for the # i'll start with but might as well plan ahead...


Rapid LED
48 Ultra Premium LED DIY Kit with Dimmable Drivers
365.00
Comes with LEDs, 4 Drivers, Thermal Grease, Power chords, optics, wire nuts, and precut wire for the PCB stars...

 

well... keep the opinions coming... another way to look at this is if i decide to go with the Philips then we'll have an opportunity to get a comparison. not the first time i've been a ginnypig...

 

Also sounds like neither comes with a heat sink. You should add that to each final price and pick the Rapid kit.

 

Yeah, was going to use strips of c channel aluminum from home depot and a couple fans.regardless of which kit I choose

 

Dont know where your resources are but that's not true. The luxeon rebel royal blue is becoming more popular and it looks better than the Cree.
The Cree xm series which is the white is the industry leader. In efficiency and lumens per watt making it very popular in DIY kits. But at the same time how many people here are running their Cree xm whites at 100%? Which begs the question wouldn"t a lower watt led produce better results running at 100% ? This could explain why orpheks pr156 tested so highly only using 2w LEDs versus the radian and more utilizing 3w ones not being run at 100%. LEDs are super efficient when run correctly.

The LED display controlling system

Read that article and you will learn a bit more about LEDs. There are many types of cree LEDs out there.

My next led build will be using rebel LEDs mixed w Cree for best of both worlds.

If you want check out cutter.com.au small hobbyist electronics site with the largest selection of Cree LEDs at the cheapest prices.the more you buy the cheaper it gets. These guy do tons of custom chips designed for aquarium use, that blow other DIY light sights outta the water. You can order pucks similiar to the ai vega and more, they do cluster puck led design based on colors you want. Since they are engineers too they will try and make you whatever you request.

 

cool, def gonna read that article thanks...