There is a cheaper version of the 627/637 family you may wish to try. It is the 827. Very close to the 627/637 in specs, a bit better noise and a bit better distortion, and cheaper.
It is only available as surface mount mount though, so you have to use a Brown Dog adapter or similar if you need an 8 pin DIP. BTW, its about $7.50 in singles. If you want to buy one pre-mounted, Brown Dog has the 827 for $22 mounted.
The 627/637 DIP has gone up to between $25 and $35, depending on grade.
It is only available as surface mount mount though, so you have to use a Brown Dog adapter or similar if you need an 8 pin DIP. BTW, its about $7.50 in singles. If you want to buy one pre-mounted, Brown Dog has the 827 for $22 mounted.
The 627/637 DIP has gone up to between $25 and $35, depending on grade.