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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> Epson 960
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 08/19/2003 02:22:58 PM · #1
Does anyone have any experience with the Epson 960 printer? I ordered one of these today based on the print quality that I have seen from the 1280 model.

I am currently using the HP 1220c, which is a large format printer. I'm happy with the output from it but I really like the results I have seen from the Epson 1280. Any feedback on the 960 would be appreciated :)
 08/19/2003 05:23:13 PM · #2

Hey John --

I have the 925, which I purchased just a few months ago. Yours is obviously the better model, but I've had great luck with mine and am very pleased with it. I think I've replaced the color cartridge once, and have been printing like mad, so the usage is quite good.

My favorite part is the paper roller/cutter for 4x6s. I do a lot of printing of quickie photos for friends and family and that's saved me a ton of time and effort compared to flat sheets. Sometimes it's hard to find the roll paper in computer stores and the like, but a photo store here sells it.

Also, if you haven't yet, try the Epson heavyweight matte paper. I never much thought about it before, but it's really a totally different world from glossy papers and works really well with black and white images.

Good Luck.
08/19/2003 06:35:32 PM · #3
Muck,

Thanks for the response.

I looked at the 925 as well. The only reason I didn't buy that one is that I wanted to try out the individual ink cartridge system for a change. I have avoided that in the past in favor of the multi-color single cartridges. Recently, I have been printing a LOT... a lot of 8x10 prints. The funny thing about the way my HP handles that is that it still consumes quite a bit of color ink in the process. I believe the single cartridge systems are using some method to help evenly dispense the ink colors so that you don't really run out of a single color and have to toss the cartridge. I don't know how it works, but I just finished printing about 35 8x10 photos that were black and white and sepia toned. I fully consumed a brand new color cartrige during this process (one of the standard capacity HP multi color cartridges).

I believe, that with the nature of the photos I'm printing, that my ink cost will be reduced a bit with more efficient use of the inks... or that's what I'm hoping for anyway.

I belive the 960 and the 1280 are using the exact same 6-ink printing system and I have seen the output of the 1280. It's impressive for sure :)
08/19/2003 06:37:10 PM · #4
Oops.. I am wrong on that.. the 1280 is a two cartridge system... the 2200 is a 7 ink system so i guess the 960 is the only epson that uses the 6 ink system...
 08/19/2003 07:01:35 PM · #5
Is there a big difference between a 6 and 7 ink system?

I'm leaning heavily toward the 960 myself.
 08/19/2003 07:06:45 PM · #6
Originally posted by ttreit:
Is there a big difference between a 6 and 7 ink system?

I'm leaning heavily toward the 960 myself.


I dunno about the ink system itself, but the 7-ink system is using different ink. It boasts a longer lifespan on a print. I read all i could read on epson's website and they don't go into the techy detail unfortunately.
 08/19/2003 07:25:35 PM · #7
Just to stick my nose into your Epson conversation, I bought the Canon S900 based on CNET's review. Same image quality as the Epson system (without the large format), but 2X faster and about 40% cheaper per sheet. It uses the 6 cartridge ink system, which I just replaced for the first time, 4 months of steady printing later (and only replaced yellow, black and magenta...gee, think I've been printing a lot of sepia?)

I'm hooked, and I was a huge Epson fan until this printer.

Pedro
 08/19/2003 07:28:58 PM · #8
The 2200 uses mineral-based (pigment) inks, whereas the 1280/960 use vegetable-based (dye) inks. The 960 does use only 6-inks, but with 7 cartridges (2 for identical black), probably so they don't have to introduce a new product or something.

Longevity of pigments is known to be much higher, but usually suffers from metamerism (common, but incorrect, usage of the term); metamerism has been substantionally reduced since the introduction of the 2200.

The 2200's 7-ink system uses two different blacks (call them Black and Photo Black) to achieve greater tonal range.

I've never seen side-by-side results showing the effectiveness of the addtional black.

John, if you're printing as much as you say, you should look into a continuous ink system (an easier task with an Epson).
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