A receiver in a multiple input, multiple output (MIMO) system is configured to perform a method for generating channel quality feedback information. The method includes receiving, from a MIMO transmitter, pilot signals in each MIMO layer. The method also includes selecting an optimal precoder matrix for each MIMO layer using a first detection metric. The method further includes determining a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for each MIMO layer using a second detection metric and the optimal precoder.