Has anyone had success converting friends?

No, not really. My best friend was interested in a half-hearted way when we were younger, and he didn't have kids yet. He still listens to music while he does other things, but he couldn't care less about the equipment any more. As far as other friends and aquaintances go, they think that I am a crazy spendthrift who is obsessed with this "stuff". I also find that many other people who learn of my interest think that the purpose of a high end system is to listen to music at loud volumes. I get this all of the time.

Take a non-audiophile friend who passionately loves some piece of music in to listen to your killer rig and play it for them. If the soundstage is just right, there is a moment where you will both know that they 'got it'. What happens after that is so disappointing: they might say "yeah that was great. so what". And then they go home to hear it again on their crappy Japanese reciever as if nothing ever happened. So frustrating.

Conversions are for missionaries.

After seeing and meeting some in our circles I have to ask "Audiophiles have friends?"

One nad a half. He bought a Rega P3 TT, Krell '300 intergrated and used Vandy 3's. His ex-girlfriend bought some Soliliquy 6.3's and a quality receiver.