A system and method are provided for channel equalization using a combination of frequency and phase compensation. The method receives a serial data stream input, and parallel processes the data stream input through a first and second path. The first path has a first frequency response, and the second path has a second frequency response, higher than the first frequency response. Signals are combined from the first and second paths, creating a frequency compensated signal. Then, the frequency compensated signal is parallel processed through a third path having a first time delay, and a fourth path having a fourth time delay, greater than the third time delay. The signals from the third and fourth paths are combined, created a phase compensated signal. In one aspect, the phase compensated signal is amplified, creating a voltage limited output signal.