[sdiy] NE566 vs. LM566 (and the 555/556 too)

[Greg James]

I have been starting to source parts for some Thomas Henry circuits in
"Making Music with the 566". As you know, the NE566 is really hard to find.
There's a chap on eBay selling them for $6-$7 apiece. He claims there's a
big difference between the NEs and the LMs (which can be got for ~$2).

My question: Is the difference in audio properties a real issue? Or is this
just a "vintage-snob" thing? If so, is there any source for these other than
this guy?

Thanks,
Greg