Abstract: A transmitter for transmitting at least two main signal components (L,R) includes a first data compression circuit (BRR1) for performing a data compression of a first of the main signal components, a data expansion circuit (DEQ) for performing a data expansion of the compressed signal component so as to obtain a replica of the first main signal component, and a matrixing circuit for combining the second main signal component with the replica of the first main signal component so as to obtain a combined signal (M'). A second data compression circuit (BRR2) performs a data compression of the combined signal (M') in response to a masking control signal. The output signals of the first and second data compression circuits are combined as a composite signal for transmission via a transmission medium, for example a record carrier. The invention also provide a receiver for such a transmitted composite signal. The transmitter may be adapted to provide for transmission of three individual signal components (L,R,C).