cheaper "DSD" vinyl....

is it basically like listening to CDs except you have to flip it, clean it, deal with pops, etc? if so then what's the point? or am I way off and this is just a great cheap alternative?

also, vinyl labeled as an "import" is usually a bit cheaper as well, but I see no reason why not to get the imported "number of the beast" from parlophone vs. the sanctuary records pressing. unless imports are usually noticeably worse for some reason? there's actually a CD version from WEA Japan that's more expensive than either of the records though, lol, what's up with that? they're all brand new btw...

oh and does anyone have a quick and easy way of checking to see whether or not a particular record is 180g if you only have the UPC?