One embodiment of the invention relates to a method of performance stabilization for multi-carrier DSL. A real signal-to-noise ratio is measured for each of a plurality of channels. A reference signal-to-noise ratio is calculated based on both the real signal-to-noise ratio and a virtual signal-to-noise ratio. Bit loading is set for at least one of the plurality of channels based on the reference signal-to-noise ratio. Other methods and systems are also disclosed.