Digital BW, The Print

I am just starting to switch from my old darkroom to a digital 
darkroom.  I have several books on the matter including The Digital 
Photolab, Advanced Black and White Techniques using Photoshop by 
George Schaub.  I am using Photoshop 7 and an Epson 2200.  Some 
prints have come out better than expected for first trys with no 
really manipulation.  Others have been flops and look very washed 
out.  When I pump up the contrast or go to levels I then loose 
detail.  I know that more work in Photoshop would solve some of 
this.  However, I showed this print to one person and he strongly 
suggested 2 things - ImagePrint RIP and color balancing my monitor 
with Spyder.  He seemed to know and he even suggested I join this 
Group.  However, another person to teaches photoshop had already told 
me that a RIP was a waste of money and that I was nuts to balance my 
monitor.  I have the $750 if I need to purchase this stuff to get a 
fine art print (or to get a fine art print faster).  However, I have 
no desire to spend money needlessly.  Can anyone give me some 
perspective?  Going digital for me is only worth it if I can come 
darn close to my B&W prints on Ilford or Brilliant paper.  I have 
seen prints that I thought have done just that.  My hope would be to 
take about 30 of my current pieces and print them digitally for a 
show this summer.  Any help would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks, Rob