MOD Chip Advice?

[Gurm]

I'm sure this gets asked all the time, but I have a specific question...

I have a v5 PS2 (GT3 A-Spec bundle) which CURRENTLY has a Neo2.5+DVD in it.

I'm sick and damn tired of doing double-swaps to play my DVD backups, so I'm considering getting a newer chip.

Here's my question:

1. What chips are recommended right now?

2. Is there any way for me to get away for cheap without soldering 30+ wires? I'd prefer 10 or less, but I really don't want to pay $75 for a chip.

3. What's a good reputable place that won't take 8 weeks to send it but also won't get busted tomorrow (a la ISONews)?

- Gurm

P.S. I'm on east coast USA, if that helps recommending a place. My system is NTSC, of course.