Digital BW, The Print

Yesterday I read a message on this forum (I forget in what context, 
or by whom) that suggested the 4000 was weaker in black density than 
the 7600 class printers.  It just so happened that I was helping a 
friend write QTR profiles on various papers for his 7600 loaded with 
OEM UC inks.  I own a 4000 also loaded with OEM inks.

The bottom line:  The 4000 and 7600 (presumambly 9600 also) are for 
all intents identical in the DMax achieved with OEM Matte Black inks.

The test was conducted with good ol' EEM paper.  I used a Heiland 
Electronics PM-Densitomemter in reflective mode.  On EEM both 
printers were hitting ~1.67 DMax.

One important difference between my 4000 and my friend's 7600 is the 
ink limit at which the maximum DMax was achieved.  The 4000 maxed out 
at ~70% black density, while the 7600 maxed out at ~50% black 
density.  It takes a RIP to properly characterize the appropriate ink 
limit for each color.  I used QTR for my test.

There are valid reasons for choosing a 7600 (9600) over a 4000, but 
DMax is NOT one of them.

Happy printing.

Shilesh