An adaptive equalizer includes a finite impulse response filter with a predetermined number of taps; and a tap coefficient adaptive controller having a register to hold tap coefficients for the filter, a weighted center calculator to calculate a weighted center of the tap coefficients, and a tap coefficient shifter to shift the tap coefficients based on a calculation result of the weighted center. During an initial training period, the tap coefficient shifter shifts the tap coefficients on a symbol data basis such that a difference between the calculated weighted center of the tap coefficients and a tap center defined by the number of taps is minimized.