A signal processing apparatus includes an input circuit to receive an input signal, and a high-pass filter responsive to the input circuit. The high-pass filter includes M taps to filter precursor intersymbol interference (ISI), one main tap and N taps to filter postcursor ISI. Each of n taps of the N taps is limited to a range of between -1 and 0. The signal processing apparatus includes a decision feedback equalizer. The decision feedback equalizer includes a decision circuit responsive to the high-pass filter, and a feedback filter responsive to the decision circuit. The decision circuit is responsive to the feedback filter.