Digital BW, The Print

Bernie,

> ... thinking about getting a wide format printer this year. Basically
> it would be a 7600, however a used 7500 is much less expensive.
> 
> However I wonder how the quality is compared to the 7600.

The 7500 has larger, non-variable dot and, as such, is less flexible than
the 7600.  For example, while a rip allows good B&W with the UC inkset on a
7600, that can't be done with the 7500.  The dedicated B&W UT7 inkset in the
7600 also allows for a much wider range of tones than is possible with the
7500 and the UT1 inkset or the UT-FSN+ that I now have in my 7500.

That said, the 7500 has a better dmax with matte papers.  When a very light
ink is used in the yellow position, the 7500 can make B&W prints that look
as good as the 7600 can do.

As to which would be more reliable, it is probably a question of how many
prints have been made on the particular printer.  My 7500 has never missed a
beat; my 7600 is currently inoperative.

> Actually I
> use the 2100, and I guess that the 7600 is rather similar to it. Is
> there a visible difference in quality tothe 7600?

The 2200 I have has a better matte dmax than the 7600 I have.


> Are there other disadvantages of the 7500? Are there good b&w prints
> to be made with the Bowhaus or QTR RIP and the Epson original inks or
> would I have to install quad black inks?

If you want to make color and B&W, there is not contest -- get the 7600.
The 7500 is only competitive if you're going to be using it as a dedicated
B&W printer.

Good luck with whatever you get.

Paul
www.PaulRoark.com