The Norton amplifier has very good performance.
The gain is flat, the input impedance is lower (needs match), and the output is reasonably matched. We can select the gain by design. The isolation is good up to few hundreds of MHz. The frequency response is wide over few octaves and can reach decade or two. The noise figure is good. Common base configuration has extended dynamic and frequency range.
There are many citations of similar articles. The following article is reasonable description of usual consequences due to inappropriate design. The amplifier might work properly with little changes. Many morons just copy what they have seen, without noting important details. Enjoy the discussion which transistor is the best choice..


Norton amplifier.pdf download.

- update 2005