Ted:
The DVD-A format does sample at a higher rate and provide greater resolution than CD: CD sample rate is 16 bit/44.1khz, whereas the DVD-A sample rate is 24 bit/96khz. DVD-A can be sampled at the same rate as CD to give really long playing time. The highest resolution that DVD-A is capable of is 176.4khz or 192khz which are reserved for stereo or mono only . To read more in detail about DVD-A I suggest
http://www.sonic.com/pdf/wp_dvd_audio.pdf which may tell you more about it than you wish to know. As for whether or not you have to use a TV to operate the player, it all depends on the player, and you should search carefully (there are supposedly DVD-Audio only players, but you probably won't find them at BB or CC). I can operate my player without the TV (Panasonic RP-82), but it isn't as convenient: the buttons toggle through the settings. Now, the biggie: most DVD-A discs, if not all, contain a Dolby Digital (usually 5.1, but sometimes it's just stereo) track at standard resolution, some contain high-res stereo mixes only along with the DD track, while yet others add a high-res mix in surround as well, so you should look at each disc to see what it contains. As far as sound goes: I'm very happy (I confess I like surround, and I always have) with the discs I have. I have listened to the high-res stereo mixes and they are stunning, in particular the one that amazes my friends is the Grateful Dead's "American Beauty" there is a clarity of sound that is simply breathtaking, and if you ever decide to listen in MC you'll hear the mix as Mickey Hart heard the Dead when they played on stage (he's the drummer, and he had the surround mix done from his vantage point--very clever). I think DVD-A is worthwhile even if you never listen in surround, IMHO. Good Luck with your choice. :)
OOPS!! DON'T click the link, It doesn't seem to work, (maybe their server went down, I can't even access the web site at this time (10:10am CDT)). I'll try to find out and re-post the link.
quadjoe