The performance

including the gain-bandwidth product and the gain unstability

of multicavity masers of the reflection type and of the transmission type is systematically analyzed by the equivalent network method. The influence of the reactive component of the paramagnetic resonance on the gain-bandwidth product has been taken into account in the analysis. The theoretical limit of the gain-bandwidth product of the reflection type coupled cavity with the final cavity filled with paramagnetic material has been discussed. The results provide a basis for selection of a practical maser scheme. It is concluded that the compact double cavity maser with an input cavity and a silver plated ruby cavity is an improved configuration for many practical purposes.