A transmitter (20) for a code division multiple access radio access network intelligently preconditions a channel-merged signal which is applied to its amplifier (22) so that the amplifier does not experience, e.g., precipitous power changes. The transmitter (20) comprises an amplifier (22) for amplifying the channel-merged signal at a signal output power; a detector (24) for performing detection of when output power of the channel-merged signal is about to change by a specified amount; and, a noise inserter (26) for adding a noise signal to the channel-merged signal in dependence upon the detection. Insertion of the noise smoothes an edge of the power change curve and thereby averts stress for the amplifier.