I was wondering which was more efficient. Inefficiency early in a production chain can really mess with the output rate at the end.

The Splitter one should be more effective.
Normally i use only 8 furnaces and upgrade them to steel -> electric (by switching the coal lines to ores) that way i can ...

Yes this is 0.10.2

Just wanted to show you my "basic" factory layout. Hit automated blue science in 1:30h (new personal record yay) with all enemy modifiers on maximum.
http://i.imgur.com/NtQrzv9.jpg
http://imgur.com/NtQrzv9

Mods used: Floors! https://forums.factorio.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=4521