An optical amplifier includes first, second and third amplifier stages, a first equalizer coupled between the first and second amplifier stages, a second equalizer coupled between the second and third amplifier stages, and a third equalizer coupled between an amplifier output and the third amplifier stage. The first stage includes a length of first erbium doped fiber coupled between an input and the first equalizer. The second stage includes a second erbium doped fiber coupled between the first equalizer and the second equalizer. The third stage includes a third erbium doped fiber coupled between the second equalizer and the third equalizer.