An automatic gain control (AGC) circuit based on a cascade of a step automatic gain control unit and a second automatic gain control unit connected to adjust their gain in a synchronized manner to result in a combined impulsive gain variation. Hereby it is possible, e.g. to use a step automatic gain control unit instead of a continuous automatic gain control unit in an RF part of a TV tuner without resulting in visual artifacts - this applies both for digital and analog TV tuners. According to a preferred embodiment, the synchronization between the two automatic gain control units may be achieved by the first automatic gain control unit generating a control signal upon gain adjustment, this control signal serving to speed up a loop bandwith controlling gain change of the second automatic gain control unit. In another embodiment, the control signal generated by the first automatic gain control unit is used to control a gain step of the second automatic gain control unit. In addition, the invention provides a tuner with an automatic gain control unit as mentioned, and a device, e.g. a TV or a hard disc recorder with such tuner.