Re: Water Feature CC wanted
For me the second shot works better (it's the velvia, isn't it?)
The reason is because the lower contrast doesn't obscure the details (look inside the pipe on both and you'll see the difference). It's also ever-so-slightly warmer.
Re: Water Feature CC wanted
I choose the second as well (the shadows seem less harsh + just a little more detail in bg). Although it seems a lot softer... I would guess that this is "masked" on the gallery wrap though.
Re: Water Feature CC wanted
I agree the second is the best choice, but to me the thing that bothers me about this image is the tilt of the pool of water. I keep tilting my head to get those concentric rings level.