An encoder and method of decoding includes a grouping module that groups an input signal into a plurality of blocks, wherein the plurality of blocks include a current block and at least one prior block, wherein each of the plurality of blocks includes at least N symbols, and wherein each of the N symbols has one of q symbol values, where N is a positive integer and q is an integer greater than two. The encoder further includes a counting module that counts occurrences of the q symbol values in the at least one prior block to generate a first count and occurrences of the q symbol values in the current block to generate a second count. The encoder also includes a permutation module that selectively permutes the current block based on the first and second counts.