QTR-Quadtone RIP

Yes, I've printed the same images with QTR & IP on two 2200s, & I regularly use QTR on a 
4000.  I made comparable prints (photos + grayscales) for a workshop, where a group 
could compare them.  We looked at QTR prints on EM, HPR, VFA, & Entrada, using the 
Cool, Selenium, & Warm tone curves.  And we compared the EM prints from a 2200 using 
QTR to another 2200 using IP.   

(We also had some Cone system prints of grayscales & a different image, & these were 
clearly outstanding in terms of DMax; but we were interested in Ultrachrome inks instead 
of clogged nozzles.)

On 2200, we found that 'out of the box,' we didn't get neutral prints from QTR.  There 
were variations in tone across the grayscale: on a 21-step grayscale, the darkest blacks 
were neutral but, in comparison to an 18% Gray Card, warm steps & then cooler ones 
could be seen in what would correspond to Zone IV & above.  

We got closely matching non-neutral results with QTR on EM from two different 2200 
printers.  When the group looked at the images (marked only on the back), it was easy to 
pick out the two less-neutral QTR prints from the more neutral IP print of the same image 
& grayscale.  

So IMO, you do indeed have to tweak the QTR curves to get a truly consistent grayscale 
from a 2200.  You may get a 'nice print,' but it will not look truly neutral at every step if 
you hold a Neutral Gray Card against it.  

Different results, however, with 4000:  QTR 'out of the box' & IP prints on EM couldn't be 
distinguished in terms of neutrality by the workshop participants.  They could tell 'the 
warmer one' from 'the cooler one,' but couldn't say that one was more neutral than the 
other.  All QTR prints on the 4000 were a little warmer than the 2200 prints on the same 
papers & settings - they ranged from a little warm to very much so.  But their tonality was 
consistent through the 21 steps of the grayscale.  

My conclusion, & I think it was a consensus among the workshop participants:  For 2200, 
QTR takes some additional tweaking, and IP is the right choice if you feel technically 
challenged (which was true for participants who were considering moving for the first time 
from the wet to the digital darkroom).  For 4000, go ahead with QTR & save considerable 
$$.  

(And yes, IP comes with an extensive range of profiles.  You can find the list on the 
website  - or maybe you have to download the profiles & look at the titles.)