Thanks for the suggestions. I will try to work through them in the next couple of days.
--I have tried soft proofing the past, but can't recall where the little button is that one must activate to see it on the screen.
--it's been 5 months since the monitor calibration. I will get that done right away.
--I'm not familiar with white paper simulation. Is it in the printer software or CS?
--as for rendering--perceptual. Would you recommend something different?
--nozzle check--just ran it. Don't see any breaks in any of the fine lines in the 8 colors. I did run the auto test, which prints blocks of each color. Each block of color has a pattern running through it--tiny white lines that form a pattern of small blocks. After doing the nozzle check, I ran the auto test again--still see the exact same faint block shapes in each color.
I hate to do the flow blown head cleaning, but if you think it might help, I'll absolutely do it.
The only cartridge I've changed within the past month is the magenta. I have had the printer for 3.5 months--bought it used from a guy. This is the only issue I've had with it so far.
Thanks again for your help,
Steve Plattner