In accordance with at least one embodiment, an improved voltage headroom self-biased receiver is provided. In accordance with at least one embodiment, tail current sources are biased so as to be cross-coupled with respect to each other. In accordance with at least one embodiment, startup control is provided to counter defect-induced current and to ensure the circuit can function properly even with large amounts of defect current. In accordance with at least one embodiment, a positive type (p type) channel metal oxide semiconductor (PMOS) tail current transistor is modulated by a negative type (n type) channel metal oxide semiconductor (NMOS) differential pair virtual negative supply voltage and a NMOS tail current transistor is modulated by a PMOS differential pair virtual positive supply voltage. The amplifier's output common mode is thus self correcting to p type to n type transistor strength differences.