Cptn
Well-Known Member
The prices between Meiju and Kingbrite are so close, if you are seeing major differences, you have absolutely missed something.thanks for the insight! I am planning to order eight 480 watt fixtures actually. Hope that's enough to qualify for some type of discount.
As far as asking them to match/lower pricing based on another board I think I will just show them the Meiju version of the kingbrite board im looking at?
I think i just want the quantum boards with the samsung diodes and the red 660nm lights, I don't think I want to shell out on the UV+IR diodes.
Looks like meiju has that option for $236.72 vs Kingbrite's Version for $273.49
If they don't match Meiju's price should I just buy from Meiju? Or is there something about Meiju I should be considering that reflects the lower price?
The biggest price difference in any of their lines is the type of 660 red LEDs they use and how many of them on a particular fixture.
On the kingbrite store, you can compare the price between single bare QB288 board in many configurations:
For example, QB288 LM301 with 660 reds:
- All LM301B
- All LM301H
- LM301B with 16 Epistar 660 reds
- LM301H with 16 Epistar 660 reds
- LM301B with 32 Epistar 660 reds
- LM301H with 32 Epistar 660 reds
- LM301B with 16 Cree 660 reds
- LM301H with 16 Cree 660 reds
- LM301B with 32 Cree 660 reds
- LM301H with 32 Cree 660 reds
What drives the cost up is premium Red LEDs like Osram and Cree.
Also, don't forget shipping which can be a way for them to easily hide costs.
Check this out:
The price per red diode is the cost of the kits with Red LEDs, minus the cost of the same kits with NO reds, divided by (the number of reds per board x 4).
I did this a year ago, so . . .
These prices were prices quoted from sales reps for (4) 240 watt fixtures (2 QB288 boards on 10-15mm heat sink, HLG240 driver, dimmer, hangers, etc.) shipped to the US.
At the time, Meiju had a 15mm finned heatsink vs KingBrites 10mm finned heatsink.
Either way, I considered it was a wash, as both were WAY better than a flat 5mm aluminum plate, and I always planned to underdrive them anyway.
At this time last year, you got a much better deal buying KingBrite.
Notice how Meiju shipping costs increased on the orders even though the only difference was the type of LEDs on some of the boards?
Yeah . . . that's not good.
Basically, there is no "deal" out there. They have priced their components and completed kits down to the last penny of their margin.
You can pick and choose any components and put together you own "kit" and the price difference will match the kits perfectly +/- the additional cost of your changed components.
For example, with kingbrite, you could buy (2) 240 watt kits, and substitute a single HLG-480H-48AB for the (2) HLG-240s.
Look at their store and you see that they sell all those components separately.
The 240's are $46 each. The 480 is $105 each.
The total price of your order would go up $13.
It's that straight forward.
As much as possible, you need to compare apples to apples with these vendors.
Remember, many of these drivers they are bundling with their kits cannot be dimmed to zero with 0-10 volt control systems.
With Meanwell, you have to get the HLG-480-48AB or the HLG-320 constant current (not the constant voltage).
None of the 240s will dim to black.
I do not have any info on other drivers capabilities.
Editing to add:
One way you should expect to save some money (with KingBrite anyway) is on shipping when you order multiples of the same item.
Even on the specific item ad page, you can see that when you add multiples of the same item to your cart, the shipping cost does not double/triple/whatever.
I remember finding a breakpoint where the shipping "discount" stopped improving, but can't remember off the top of my head. There is definitely a sweet spot.
BTW: if you think that the Meiju with 8 Osram 660 reds falls somewhere in performance between the KB with 16 Crees and the KB with 32 Crees, you are trippin. They priced it right on the product (cheaper than the KBs) then stuck it to the customer with inflated shipping. Buyer beware.
PS: Thanks for the "Like" @Rocket Soul . . . when you like a post on LEDs, I know I better pay attention.
Last edited: