Digital BW, The Print

I've been happy with what my Epson 870 does with color images, but would
like to find a printer that will do better with black-and-white.  I've done
some experimenting with the MIS quodtones, but I don't do enough
black-and-white to warrant a separate printer, which seems to be the way to
go with MIS.

How good are the Epson 6-color printers for B&W?  Any recomenndations for
models?  Or for other brands which will give me quality color and  better
B&W than what I'm now getting.  Maybe less expensive than $500.  8.5 X 11 is
the largest print size I need.

Norm