Abstract: A system for generating stereo-channel audio signals with surround information is disclosed. The system includes a surround mapping unit configured to receive signals from a number of audio channels and generate a pair of stereo-channel audio signals based on the audio channels. The pair of stereo-channel audio signals includes binaural and spatial information. The system also includes a stereo-channel encoder configured to receive and encode the pair of stereo-channel audio signals from the surround mapping unit thereby generating a pair of encoded stereo-channel audio signals. The system further includes a stereo-channel decoder configured to receive and decode the pair of encoded stereo-channel audio signals thereby obtaining the pair of stereo-channel audio signals. The pair of stereo-channel audio signals are capable of being used to generate surround effect.