has anyone used creative labs bt w3 with an iphone ?

I am trying to set up a 2nd cheaper music server using an iphone/ipad/itunes. Since apple music now supports ALAC lossless (CD quality’ish) format, it is great to be able to use it. I have a couple of spare ipads/iphones lying around (relatively new) which I thought I could use for this purpose.

I attached a creative labs BT W3 APTX HD bluetooth APTX-HD adapter to the iphone, which then bluetooths to an AudioEngine B1 DAC which decodes APTX-HD which in turn the feeds my stereo. So far so good.... in theory. I have also used an MFI certified apple lightning to USB C wire. Here is a rudimentary picture:

iphone -> ---- lightning to USB cable --- -> BTW3 --------> over the air ---> Audioengine B1 ---> amplifier.

This setup has been working VERY well and I am VERY satisfied with the sound so far.... UNTIL occasionally, a tremendous crackling noise surfaces, almost as bad as I think it is about to blow the speakers. It is totally random and lasts for less than a second but enough to give anyone a jolt. It almost sounds like a tazer being fired.

Anyone has any experience with this ?

Would getting a dedicated mini ipad with a native USB C port fix the issue since I am suspecting maybe the lightning to USB C cable is the culprit.

Thanks