What type of lamp/bulb offers the best quality of light, generally, regardless of efficiency?

Question

Incandescent, halogen, neon, flourescent, etc.

Answer 1

you failed to say where you were using the lamp, in doors/out?  in machinery, autos , vibration, temperature variations they are in their own right important considerations for success an each is different in  needs requirements

Answer 2

Fluorescent.

I wish I could find the article. Just a week or two ago I read about a study of light quality of various types of lamps and more people ended up choosing the fluorescent lamps. If I find it I will post the link.

Answer 3

Our human eyes are in general used to solar spectrum, with a tint of sky blue - it is what evoluation made our to be the best with. So, if you go for quality light, I would pesonally say anything that matches solar spectrum (or look up wiki for color temperature). There are special incandescents cool white, warm white - mostly either one of them will suit the mood. Flourescents come next because they are white and have a bit of blue in them, even them you could choose a better color temperature that suits you.

That said, the second factor is also to do with the purpose of lighting (which room you want to light) and time of the day. Humans don't exactly do well either if you think of having sun shining at you 24/7. So, you could do walm whites for living rooms, reading rooms, kitchen and cool whites for bedroom, bathroom, dining room. But my personal preference is kind of mixed and I tend to switch watch I exactly just mentioned - don't ask me why. :-).