Digital BW, The Print

I just got a UT-FSN cartridge and a photo black for my Epson 2000P.  For some reason my 
prints are all coming out way too light.  Not even in the ballpark.

The only way I've been able to get anywhere close is by applying the curves at 50% opacity.  
This looks ok but doesn't seem right.

-Epson premium semi-gloss paper
-Applying the appropriate curves (tried RGB and GS versions).
-Monitor is just calibrated.
-Color management is off.
-Cleaned the heads repeatedly.

I think I've followed Paul Roark's workflow to the letter.

Is there something obvious I'm missing here?

Thanks for any help!
Jeremy