My first attempt to put sound in a model was also a hacked sound-postcard 
Well, I don´t think there is a “original” model of this MP3 module. Take a look at DFRobot, it is a China company and I think they are the main “producer” of those chips (hence DF in DFPlayer and DFRobot). But I might be wrong. I buy my modules from AZDelivery. They are here in Germany but also do shipping in Europe.
Never had problems with Arduino or breakout board clones. But yes, I would also spend a few € more to get a good working product without troubles.
With my simple LED and Sound code there was no need for sync. The Arduino just sends a “play” signal to the DFPlayer and it starts the soundfile while the Arduino continues its code (which is a simple light effect). But I had to figure out the time it takes for the LED effect and adjust the lenghts of the sound by using Audacity.
This kind of merging Arduino and DFPLayer was easy. But it might get complicated with a more complex code and more effects 
When you got your modules and played with them a bit, you can just write me and I will send you my first attempt of phaser + sound.
Have a nice weekend!