An improved sampled amplitude read/write channel is provided. The system is an integrated Generalized Partial Response Maximum Likelihood (GPRML) read channel incorporating Read, Write, and Servo modes of operation. One implementation includes a 32/34 rate parity code and matched Viterbi detector, a 32 state Viterbi detector optimal parity processor, robust frame synchronization, self-adaptive equalization, thermal asperity detection and compensation, adaptive magneto-resistive asymmetry compensation, low latency interpolated timing recovery and programmable write precompensation.