Basement flooring suggestion help...

gabel8

I am in the process of finishing my basement and I am to the step of installing a floor. I am going to be installing engineered hardwood and ceramic til in the bathroom. The 2 options I am contemplating are:

1. Delta FL with 1/2 inch plywood and then staple hardwood.
2. Radiant floor heating directly on concrete and then float hardwood over that.

I have a few concerns with both and hope that someone can offer some suggestions. For option 1, I have 2 concerns. First, I hate to sacrifice the height needed for the Delta FL and plywood sub-floor. Also, I have an unfinished section of the basement and it will be a significant drop off going from the finished floor to the concrete floor in the unfinished section. For option 2, I guess I don't know enough about the radiant floor heating and also, has anyone been happy with floating a floor over concrete?

Any help or suggestions would be great.

Thanks.