I have an HP laptop with a 3.5 mm combo mic/headphone out jack. I just tested it with headphones. The setup works, and I'm happy with the sound quality. I just purchased this mini amplifier:
Dayton Audio DTA-PRO 100W Class D Bluetooth Amplifier with USB DAC IR Remote and Sub OutputDayton Audio DTA-PRO 100W Class D Bluetooth Amplifier with USB DAC Rediscover your favorite music with the DTA-PRO. This all-in-one amplifier starts with a refined, brushed aluminum case and fills it chock...
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It does have a 3.5 mm Aux Audio Input. So, I'm comfortable that if I connect the laptop to the Amp with the 3.5 mm connection, I'll get sound, but will the quality be bad or less than ideal, and/or not have enough volume due to an impedance mismatch? I'm well aware that I can connect the laptop to the amplifier's Micro USB input, and I have the correct cable, but my laptop often has problems with USB resources, so I'd prefer the 3.5 mm out solution if it is workable.
If the 3.5 mm out solution is less than ideal, can I fix the mismatch with something in between the audio out cord and the amplifier?
It should be fine. There is no problem driving a high-impedance input of the amplifier with a low-impedance output of the laptop. Just use a lead like this:- https://www.ebay.com/itm/375049120178