what to look out for when using more than 1 amp in a stereo/HT setup?

[tmt]

Using a surround amp to power all speakers in an HT setup is pretty straight-forward. All speakers get the same power from the same amp so every channel plays at the same volume.

Which problems can pop up when you have a big stereo amp that powers the main speakers of a combined stereo/ HT setup and a smaller surround amp for powering the front and surround speakers?
Will the front speakers possibly play louder when using the HT? Is there a big difference when using amps of different brands?

my (almost ) current system:
B&W N802s on Classe CA-401. not sure yet about the pre-amp.
Denon 3500 as pre-amp for HT and powering center (B&W LCR6) and surrounds (B&W 602 S2)
In time I'm getting a HTM1 and the LCR6 will move to the back as center surround. Will need a new amp for powering the HTM1 center.

[Andrew Pratt]

Unless one amp has a significantly different sonic signiture or gain rating then the other I seriously doubt its much to worry about. For one thing your speakers are going to sound different from each other due to a host of other issues given their different locations in the room for minor differences in amps to be a concern.