Vivid 2700K MR16 (Gen1) Review

General Information

ID #207
SKU MR16-50-B01-12-927-36
Series Vivid
Manufacturer Soraa (other LEDs from Soraa)
Fitting Type MR16 (other MR16 LEDs)
Light Type Downlight (PAR)
Height 42mm
Diameter PAR16 (50mm)
Weight 36g
Warranty 3 Years
Test Date 2013-10-09
Review Notes A unique MR16 LED for having a CRI above 90 and using GaN on GaN technology. Unfortunately the trade off is that this is one of the most inefficient LEDs tested. Tests were conducted on a Osram ET-Redback Transformer. This transformer is not claimed to be compatible with SORAA LED MR16s, see their website for a comprehensive list of compatible transformers. Performance might be better on a compatible transformer but many Australian transformers are missing from the compatibility list. This is the hottest MR16 tested by a good margin but vendor claims their GaN technology allows higher temperatures without higher failure rates. High frequency flicker is worse than most LED lights. This is generation 1, there is a improved 2nd generation available.
Price $38.79 (USD) from Amazon on 8th of October 2013
Rating

 

LED Specifications

Claimed Measured Compared To
Watts 11.5W 12.9W @ 12V
Electronic Transformer
54.7W @ 12V
Yearly Running Cost[?] $2.52 $2.83 $11.98
Lumens 400 lm 346 lm 765 lm
Efficiency[?] 35 lm/W 27 lm/W 14 lm/W
Lumens/Purchase Price 10 lm/$ 9 lm/$ 170 lm/$
Power Factor[?] N/A 0.96 1
Color [?] Warm White, 2700K Warm White, 2737K Warm White, 3015K
Angle[?] 36° 35° 45°
Dimmable Yes, Leading or Trailing Edge Below average Yes, Trailing Edge
CRI (Color Accuracy)[?] 95 95
Life 25,000 hours Not Measured 6,000 hours
Min/Max Voltage N/A / 12V N/A
Min/Max Temperature N/A / N/A N/A
Measured Temperature 93°C @ 25°C ambient
199°F @ 77°F ambient
256°C @ 25°C ambient
493°F @ 77°F ambient
Flicker Percent[?] 83% 3%
Flicker Index[?] 0.207 0.008

 

Link to manufacturer specifications at time of testing

 

Dimming measurements

Graph notes: Dimming performance can be highly dependant on the type of dimmer, the number of lights in the circuit and other factors. Results in your house might vary. Mouse over the graph for more details. Position 10 = Not dimmed. Position 1 = Fully dimmed.

 

Advertisement

Distribution Graph

Angle: 35° (±17.5° from bottom), Maximum lux:

Graph notes: Shows the intensity of the light when viewed from different angles. Normal omni-directional globes have a fairly constant output all the way around (excepting directly above). Downlights have a narrow range at the bottom in which the light is emmited, this determines their angle.

 

Spectrum Graph

Representation of color spectrum

Graph notes: Shows the breakdown of the LED light into its component colors. With short wavelength ultraviolet on the left and long wavelength infrared on the right. The green line represents the relative absolute strength of the light at each frequency, while the red line represents what the typical human eye would see. The human eye is most sensitive to green light, but much less sensitive to purples and deep reds.

 

Flicker Graph

Graph of measured flicker

Percent: 83%, Index: 0.207 (lower is better in both cases)

Graph notes: Shows variation in light output over 1/10th of a second, with relative light output on the Y axis and time on the X Axis. Measured with a photodiode connected to an Oscilloscope. Ideally the yellow line should be flat. Low frequency high amplitude waveforms mean there is a possibility of noticeable flicker, but sensitivity to flicker varies between people. [More details about LED flicker]

 

LEDs in this Series

Name Price Watts Lumens Efficiency Color Angle Fitting
Vivid 2700K MR16 (Gen1) $39 (USD) 12.9W 346lm 35lm/W Warm White, 2737K 35° MR16

 

Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of these results, each measurement carries an inherent degree of uncertainty and error. Safety and EMC compliance of products to regional or international standards have not been verified unless noted as an ENERGY STAR® LED Lighting Facts, or SSL Quality Scheme certified product. Retailers and importers selling unmarked or unapproved electrical goods can be fined or imprisoned. Mains supplied downlights require installation by a licensed electrician.