However, I've generally been happier with mt-daapd, despite the speed of connection; recent versions support the compilation tag (TCMP, I believe) in ID3v2.3, which is supported really nicely in iTunes itself, and its logging, playlist and configuration support all seem more mature.

One idea that I never did get around to- and given the changes in my network setup now I've moved, I'm unlikely to- is the concept of tracking the DAAP server log and playing the same song on the Linux box as well. That would give you the ability to use the iTunes interface to pick songs, while also using your better speakers to listen to them. (You'd have to be careful if you get multiple DAAP sessions, and there's the problem of the Mac making noise at the same time, but I'm sure these can all be worked around). Anyway, it's a nice idea to think about, perhaps.

I await the results of your search for AAC playback with interest.