Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a composite light source which includes at least one blue light source having peak wavelength in the range of about 400 nm to about 460 nm; at least one yellow-green garnet phosphor; and at least one narrow-band red-emitting down-converter. Such composite light source may have a Lighting Preference Index (LPI) of at least 120. In other aspects the disclosure is directed to composite light source comprising at least one blue light source having peak wavelength in the range of about 400 nm to about 460 nm; at least one yellow-green garnet phosphor; and at least one broad red down-converter. In this latter aspect the composite light source may have a Lighting Preference Index (LPI) of at least 120. Numerous other aspects are provided.