In this paper, we will describe the characterization of an RF amplification chain based on a traveling wave parametric amplifier. The detection chain is meant to be used for dark matter axion searches, and thus, it is coupled to a high Q microwave resonant cavity. A system noise temperature Tsys = (3.3 ± 0.1) K is measured at a frequency of 10.77 GHz, using a novel calibration scheme, allowing for measurement of Tsys exactly at the cavity output port.