The Dream I think has one fantastic bass. The mids though after comparing it with other IEMs sounded a bit odd. Kinda metallic cold, kinda recessed on some sources. But after some time adjusting to its sound, it sounded pretty enjoyable. The vocals, and acoustics especially. I try to avoid listening to metallic instruments with the Dream (cymbal, trumpet, etc).
After receiving the VE5, I can say that VE makes amazing custom shells. Fits perfectly for my ears, not too deep, or shallow. Great for live-performing musician IMO. I can see why Mim much prefers his VE8 in custom form. As for the sound, the VE5 is like the AV2. They're similar in tuning, and I suspect they're made from the same mold. My ears couldn't differ at first during non-critical listening. Only after a while though, I sould hear how VE5 sounds more refined, higher-res, and balanced than the AV2. The AV2 is more forward, and note size denser/larger. While the VE5 is very smooth, with the mids more centered. It is more gentle in the upper-mid, and treble. Both have superb vocals. The bass punches harder on the AV2, the VE5's bass is more classy, and less wild / better-controlled in execution. Both impression were obtained from WM1A. Haven't try them with AK70II, and Opus#2 yet. This is my early impression.
To anyone (will be) having the Prelude, could you please try with your laptop? I'm still weirded to find that they're my favourite setup. More favoured than with other sources, and ear/headphones. I'm interested in how others would find with theirs. With other sources, like Nic explained in his review, the sound (especially for the female vocals) is less sweet, and clear. But with my laptop, it sounds much more natural, and 'right'. The soundstage is also larger, and positioning less forward; not as intimate, and warm as before.