I agree with your high estimation of his Schumann. I do not like his Bach or how he handles music from classical period AT ALL. So I can't really agree with you that Egorov is "better" than Lipatti. I don't know what the criteria is here, on saying someone is "better" than someone else, but when it comes to musicianship, poise of technique, and intellectual approach, I'd have to say Lipatti is in a class above Egorov. My 2 cents.

I guess the better term is "technical poise." I always get the sense that Lipatti always uses his technique to serve the music, and can sense that he's holding a lot in reserve. But when he does let go, as he does in his rendition of Ravel's Alborada del Gracioso from Miroirs, it's just flat out awe-inspiring. (I still haven't heard any pianist top that version.) As for his Chopin, many find his interpretation too reserved (and I frankly do not like his approach to the 1st concerto) but to me, his versions of the waltzes and the 3rd sonata are still one of the benchmark performances. I don't think I can rate any of Egorov's Chopin closer to Lipatti's... as you say, though, this is merely my personal preference. But again, thanks for another thought-provoking post. This classical thread needs more shots in the arm like this post.