Hi Mat,
Definitely, a tiny amp could compensate the filter loss. I thought of that but run out of steam.? Also, I like to keep the equipment as original as possible.? My cascaded CW filter mod was minimally invasive (one diode moved from one location to another) and as such met the criteria...
73, Wald N4PL
Would it be feasible to add a 6-dB or so amp just prior to the filter (I think most 6-pole xtal filters run about 9dB loss for CW ?)? That should compensate enough for the loss before the 3rd IF Amp.?
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-Mat Breton, N8TW
N4PL