Digital BW, The Print

I am debating which is best for making B&W prints.

I have an Epson 2200, but the "black/gray" inksets (or lack thereof) 
that are available for it from third parties is a problem. The 1280 
printer has a wider choice of 3rd-party inks, but I have also heard 
that the 1280 is inferior to the 2200 in final print quality. I have 
not seen the output from a 1280, so I can not make a call either way 
for myself.

I am concerned that the gains of using a better printer, might be  
"defeated" by the lack of suitable ink choices, and visa versa.

Has anyone  tested the two configurations  below:

SET #1						SET #2
Epson 2200 					Epson 1280
Std Epson inks					MIS Black/Grey inks ( or  other multi-gray set)
Quadtone RIP					Quadtone RIP

I just downloaded and installed the QTR program. Using it certainly 
seems to produce superior output for B&W prints with the std Epson inks 
when compared to the standard Mac X Epson driver on a 2200.  I just 
wonder if using a multi-tone B&W inkset on a 1280 makes a corresponding 
"leap" to the next level?

I just 
> wonder if using a multi-tone B&W inkset on a 1280 makes a corresponding 
> "leap" to the next level?

Robert,

yes it does, if you are comparing to the 2200 using only  the black and one 
gray. 

Two inks will not make as nice a print as 3 or 4 (6 is overkill).  For what you 
are doing you will be perfectly well served with the 1280, considering it's 
cheaper than the 2200, though also slower. If your profile for the 1280 is dead 
on, the prints will be as good as they can get.  You can use the extra 2 
positions for toners, too. I'd say it's more about accurate profiles than inherent 
printer or ink technology (except for the speed thing).

The other thing about using the OEM inks on the 2200 is that they produce a 
very warm print which you have to balance with Cyan and Magenta. Not an 
elegant solution compared to inksets that already have a color you like, plus 
toners that are not of an extreme primary color. Of course you can use the MIS 
UT sets int the 2200, but then it doesn't matter which printer you use.

Antonis