RF IS AC!!!!! And it goes both directions on any conductor!!!
Input levels to any amp should be Noise figure plus amount designed for minimal 2nd/3rd order and CTB distortions (based on cascade and fiberlink contribution), while making designed output levels.
If design output (AGC/therm accounted for) calls for less than noise figure plus operating gain, pad at the interstage by what ever the difference is.
Equalize the input to flat, pad the input to Noise Figure plus 1dB (unless cable simulator is used to eq, then figure simulator's loss as part of the pad), and eq the I.S. to correct tilt.
If you need more than 8dB padding at the I.S., you've likely got the wrong active for the application.
Besides, todays shorter cascades dont demand perfection, but if your running 256QAM's, better get them close as you can!!
