Digital BW, The Print

Just installed a brand new Epson C84 with UTN inks and I'm
experiencing problems.

First, the first few sheets were completely blank -- I mean COMPLETELY
blank.  Now everything I print is too light in the mid tones.  The
blacks are black, the whites are white, but the gamma is off -- way off.

Nozzle checks fail -- all broken lines.  Cleaning heads makes no
difference.

I've updated to the latest Epson driver for my printer.  I've read all
the settings on the MIS' website (that's a bit confusing too).

To add insult to injury, the Eboni Black cartridge is almost empty
after only 3 8 1/2 by 11 prints.

Something's amiss but I don't know what.

Robert Ades