From Audio Research CD2 to Benchmark:upgrade?

Don't underestimate the improvement the Benchmark will provide. In balanced mode it is exceptionally good, clean and well textured with a great top end. Jallen

If the CD2 has a BNC like the newer CD3 I would definitely give the benchmark a shot.
BTW:
When I changed the RCA on my transport to BNC for a better impedence match between components then added a simple silver transmission line w/ BNC's, the Benchmarks level of realism doubled in every respect. Dynamics, smoothness and scale became nearly world class. No kidding!