Digital BW, The Print

I've been monitoring this group thinking some day I'd like to make
great B&W prints on my Epson 2200 or 2400 using WindowsXP with or
without QuadTone RIP or other software. But the more I read the more
confusing it seems. Can anyone summerize the advantages/disadvantage
of any or each of the major systems to print great B&W to include
ImagePrint?

I'm a hobbist and don't have the instruments to read/create accurate
profiles.

Dave