In a variable gain amplifier apparatus, wide input dynamic range can be secured and low noise characteristic can be obtained by employing first and second variable gain amplifiers have different noise characteristics and different saturation input levels and receive a same input signal. Output signals of the first and second variable gain amplifiers are added to each other to provide an output signal of the variable gain amplifier apparatus. Desired noise characteristic and saturation input level characteristic of the variable gain amplifier apparatus can be obtained by selecting the noise characteristics and the saturation input levels of the first and second variable gain amplifiers appropriately. This allows the variable gain amplifier apparatus to have a wide input dynamic range and low noise characteristic.