I have the Stanley Sweethearts, and my father gifted me his LN chisels.
The difference is the LNs are heavy, yet balanced. The Stanleys are light, and decently balanced. I went with the 8 piece Stanley for my starter set, and if I had to do it again I'd probably get their 5 pc (or is it 4?) and an individual 1/8th chisel.
As for sharpening stones, that's a fight everyone has a dog in. After much time here and some nasty knock-down-drag-out fights, I've seen many gravitate toward Shaptons, Sigmas, or Arkansas as a general rule and they will get you very good sharpening. That said, if money is tight, you can even get a decent edge with something like Nortons.
Like David E said, I buy quality when I can (which, thanks to the career in IT is often) instead of buying cheap. Cheap will get you frustrated quickly in this hobby; moderate pricing will get you happy and engrossed. High end will make you forget your significant other, children, and job, so be careful there. :-P
Whatever you get, make sure there's a good, lifetime warranty on the tool. I'm not sure of Narex, but I can tell you the Sweethearts have a lifetime limited warranty (basically, don't use it for a pry bar and you'll get it replaced), and anything Lie-Neilsen has a lifetime warranty that short of melting down the metal LN will uphold.
And FYI, if you think this is flip flopping, wait until you get further into the hobby. There's a reason most of us have more tools than most hardware stores.
You might also want to check out Lee Valley's offerings. They're a spot-on company that stands behind their product as well.
The Barefoot Woodworker.
Fueled by leather, chrome, and thunder.