Digital BW, The Print

Let us know where you live, and probably some people on this list who
are nearby will volunteer to show you what they are doing and how they
are doing it. The Epson 2400 (and larger printers in the same series)
was a real breakthrough for many of us because it has a feature called
Advanced Black and White (ABW) that for the first time made excellent
monochrome prints without the use of a third party RIP or third party
inks. And you have the choice of matte black or glossy black ink.
There is an exception to my last statement, and that is the "black
only" system that many people liked on the earlier vintage Epson
printers. Go to Clayton Jones' website (he is very helpful and posts
frequently here). For a very modest cost, he will send you examples of
prints made with both matte and glossy black and on different papers,
using the Epson system. Read his essays.

There are two all grey ink systems that are quite popular. And they
also work on these Epson printers (and earlier models). The MIS inks
are favored by many. Go to Paul Roark's website (also contributes
here)to see examples and get advice. The other system is made by Jon
Cone at InkjetMall.com. They also will send you examples.

If you want advice about how and where to start you decision making,
my suggestion is to start with this.

good luck