I used a CIS from Inkjetfly in my RX 500. I believe it works the same in other printers. The system worked fine thru 2 sets of ink. But then it began acting up. Had trouble with the contacts on the "nest". I called them and they told me to "wedge" the nest against the contacts but no luck. The colors were perfect compared to OEM, the cost was great. Longevity, don't know yet. I'm sure they'll outlive me.
Finally had to remove the system and go back to OEM. There is even a video on YouTube on how to safely remove the nest. Must be a common problem. But, it does
work. Maybe it was my printer. Now have a R 1800, I don't think I'll try again.
The CIS and the ink that go in it are really two different things.
To get best quality, buy a CIS and then buy the Epson inks in 220ml carts (9800). Put the Epson ink in the CIS.
I ma going to try some OCP dye inks that I just received in my Epson 7600.
Most of the pigment inks that I have looked at are inferior in gamut to the Epson 2400/3800/7800/9800 K3 inks. I looked at the ICC profiles of all of the insk that I could find, none were very good.
Longevity is also a question. Here is a roundup of some no-name 3rd party inks as compared to the Epson Durabrite inks:
That is probably worst case. None of the 3rd party ink manufacturers offer really good info on the longevity of their inks though. Some may last, some may not. Really an open question.
I wouldn't worry too much about proofing with those inks. I would have severe reservations about trying to sell prints made with them!
I am going to use my Epson 7600 with cheap inks for proofing. I will use my Epson 7880 with Epson inks for production prints for sale.
I would recommend a similar strategy if you decide to go with non-OEM inks. They may be OK - but how to tell?
