A modulator includes a symbol mapper that is configured to map respective bits sets of a bit sequence corresponding to a burst and including data, training, tail, and guard bits into respective symbols to form a symbol sequence of data, training, tail, and guard symbols. A vector precoder is configured to apply a vector precoding transformation to the data and training symbols to form precoded symbols. These precoded symbols are combined with the tail and guard symbols in a symbol processor to form a sequence of transmit symbols. The record precoding conducted by the modulator of a transmitter enables improved link performance without the cost of increased processing complexity of the receiver algorithm.