Epson R1900 - Best initial settings?

Hi everybody. Thanks in advance for any help.
I've searched this forum for Epson R1900 and I've tried so many things, that I think I'm going to have to take out a loan to purchase any more ink .
I purchased a new R1900 over a year ago, and I've never been able to get it to print as well as my old, cheapie Canon MP600. All of the prints from my Epson come out really dark.

I use genuine Epson ink; I purchased Epson paper; I used the Epson profile.
I use CS3 on an HP laptop (that has a very good screen), and I've adjusted the screen illumination so it is not too bright. Yet every time I print a picture on the Epson R1900, it comes out dark. If I print the exact same picture on the Canon MP600, it comes out beautiful. I've had the exact same image printed at two separate commercial printers, and those images are virtually identical to the image from the Canon.

Is there a "Best default setting" for the R1900 that I can try? I spent all my money on this printer, and I cannot afford to buy another one. After reading all the happy people who have the R1900, I'm sure it's just me. I'm sure I set something up wrong. I'm feeling like a really dumb girl here (although I've read a lot of guys who have been frustrated too).

I've read the stickies, I've searched under "Epson R1900", I need help, or I'm going to cry.

I want to start over with a basic setting:
What do you recommend for my basic print settings in CS3?

Wendy

Start here:

http://www.luminous-landscape.com …_my_prints_too_​dark.shtml

Assuming you are using the correct print settings in both PS and the printer settings dialog, I think the issue is probably a combination of lack of monitor calibration, incorrect lighting for your editing work area, and perhaps suboptimal lighting for viewing/judging your prints.

Here is the setting. R1900 prints are very close to the image out of the box. But nothing will help you if your monitor is not displaying correct brightness and color. Picture will always dark if your monitor brightness is at 100% or color cast.
Stop wasting ink, paper and time try to do it by eye. BUY A CALLIBRATOR. It will save you on the long run. not to mention all the headach and tears.

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