While a V type may cool more evenly, I don't think the inline two stages have ever had a problem, there are way too many different ones on the market, old and new. One brand, old one, had the high stage cylinder (smaller cyl) away from the pulley/cooling fan, while every other inline ever made has the high stage cyl on the pulley/fan side.
For a home shop it just won't matter much. I have a Husky 7.5 hp with an American made pump, but they now use a China clone of that pump. Pick something you like, that the price is right on, with the airflow you need and don't look back.
Real quality will cost like rip, Curtis, Saylor-Beal, Jenny (the former Emglo stationary line) will probably be more than you want to spend. That leaves you looking at Campbell-Hausfeld, I-R "consumer" line, ABC, and a few others.
Charles