Who said “ flat freq response “ is the best?

@douglas_schroeder
Hi Doug, although I do agree that there are several speakers that are nice to listen to that don’t necessarily come close to that ruler flat acoustical challenge. I have to disagree on the idea that seeking and building toward that flat response a fairly fruitless effort.
All Amplifiers and Pre Amplifiers come VERY close in a flat response, but as you know, One can and will sound much different than another. The flat response is no more than the idea that everything starts with a level playing field, but yes, you are absolutely correct that a totally flat response curve does not at all guarantee excellent results and/or a system can be satisfying with all kind of things being out of wack.
@ieales
As far as the Phase discussion, there are a ton of threads on Phase (not to be confused with phase angles), but phasing affects imaging and sound stage much more than it does frequency curves.
Tim

Doug;

Welcome to conversation
I always wanted to ask the question, but always forgot to ask!

Tim; 

good statement!  What does a good venue measure like?
I've only heard the Disney venue in LA, and it sure does not sound like my HiFi!

lol

jeff

Human studies.  
 
If your gear measures perfectly flat on-axis in an anechoic chamber, and it has ideal off-axis (steadily and evenly sloping the further you go), then it will sound good in a “typical room”.   
  
Now, the room does play a large role, if you are in an untreated room that has tile floors and large windows, you may want a speaker that has a recessed treble.