Canon Pixma Pro 9000 vs Epson R1900

I'm a very advanced photographer, having created images for over 30 years now, and print photos only for my own satisfaction.

Currently I am looking for a color inkjet printer that costs less than $600 and, while 13x19" prints is desirable, I feel 8x10" would be good enough, even though 8x10" is the largest printer I have ever owned. (HP deskjet 5650)

I am debating between a Canon Pixma Pro 9000 and Epson R1900 because I feel having a 13x19" print would be a nice option.

So, my question is: Which of these two (Canon vs Epson) would be the better printer for less than $600? Or, is there another brand I am unaware of, that will knock my socks off for less $$, regardless which size prints it makes?

well, if your budget is $600, I would be considering the Canon Pixma 9500. You get 10 ink tanks, instead of 8 in the Pixma 9000. Plus the ink is pigment based ink, where as the Pixma 9000 uses dye based ink. Canon currently has a $100 rebate on the Pro 9000, making it $299 after rebate (at B&H and Adorama), and a $200 rebate on the Pro 9500, making it $549 after rebate. Better hurry because the rebates are ending soon.

Also, if you are in the market for a new camera, if buy your Pixma printer with a new 40D/50D, then the rebate on the Pro 9000 goes to $300, and the rebate on the Pro 9500 goes to $400. So it's a great excuse to pick up a new camera and get a free printer (essentially)

Canon Pixma Pro 9000 = color
Canon Pixma Pro 9500 = B&W

You'll be instantly hooked once you print larger than 8x10