Connecting a Laptop Headphone Audio Out to an Amplifier's 3.5 mm input

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:


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

Diver300 said:

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

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I just got the amplifier, and you are indeed correct. I'm just following up to point out that switching to the laptop's USB to Micro USB amplifier connection (labeled as an SPDIF Interface) gets me louder volume than when I use the laptop's 3.5 mm headphone jack to the Aux amplifier port.

I'm keeping the 3.5 mm connection in as a backup but will be using USB connection. I assume this is expected and all makes mathematical sense.

Did you go in to the HP audio settings and set the 3.5mm output to line level?

Some laptops do this automatically depending on what is plugged in and others need it done manually.

augustinetez said:

Did you go in to the HP audio settings and set the 3.5mm output to line level?

Some laptops do this automatically depending on what is plugged in and others need it done manually.

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There are no options for this. The output was already at 100%. The only options I have is to enable spatial sound, lower the volume, or change the L R balance. I tried disabling audio enhancements which had no apparent effect on the levels. The spatial sound setting had no apparent effect either.

Minor Edit, as I found the attached settings, but moving anything other than the master volume does nothing at all.

I see the bottom setting is still set to headphone - have you not tried clicking the box and setting it to 'Line out' option?

augustinetez said:

I see the bottom setting is still set to headphone - have you not tried clicking the box and setting it to 'Line out' option?

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I don't think the dropdown will let me change anything, but I can't figure out how to get that option to display. Now, in the settings, I only see the attached.