an apparatus for reducing voltage surge while powering up an amplifier device , the amplifier device charging an input capacitance in at least one input line during the powering up , the charging being subject to a time constant established by the input capacitance in cooperation with an input resistance in the at least one input line , includes : a resistive load switchingly coupled with at least a portion of the input resistance in the at least one input line . the switchingly coupling is effected during at least a portion of the powering up .