There's been a lot written about ink. Specifically, articles and independent studies on using third party inks (other brands of ink advertised for use with Epson printers) versus genuine Epson inks.
In the end, sources like the highly respected testing firm Torrey Pines Research, PC World magazine and recognized print permanence authority Wilhelm Imaging Research, Inc., all came to the same well documented conclusion: Epson inks produce superior image quality, longer print life, greater reliability and unbeatable value versus third party inks.
It's apparent that what you save in dollars with third party inks, you sacrifice in quality. Because Epson inks are developed for use with Epson papers and printers, they optimize quality and print performance. Nothing else comes close.