Digital BW, The Print

I know the question is not posted in the right place but I can't find 
a better one when reading some pro's posts. So please don't kick me 
out.

I'm currently using a 1800 and a 1290-Piezo-QTR with CS. I'm making 
my profile with a Pulse X-rite (most affordable solution at the time 
I got it but maybe not the most accurate one). This all serves photo 
printing exclusively at the (very) amateur level.

I'm considering now upgrading for a 4800, mainly for color (for BW 
may also use it with QTR in ABW).

I'm wondering if a RIP would help me improve if not my photos at 
least my prints with a 4800 (and eventually the 1800 that I could 
possibly linearised). It's my understanding that RIPs not only 
provide a linearisation capability but also a better dithering than 
Epson drivers (with additional features of less interest for me such 
as images placement on a single sheet...and maybe some key ones I 
have not yet identified).

Does this make sense and if so what would you recommend me to look 
at. Any comments are welcome : personal, url link,...

Thanks for your help.

Olivier