Blindjim,
It takes current through a cable for it to break in. I think all of us could agree to this. First, the cable must be connected to a source that is on and has a signal. For example, this source could be a CD player or tuner. Second, it must be connected to a load which has some input impedance such that it will draw a current. This could be a preamp. Preamps present an input impedance whether they are on or off. If you don't believe this, just measure it with a ohm meter. The lower this impedance, the more current is drawn and the faster the cable will break in. If the preamp is off, it just doesn't amplify the signal that it sees.
It takes current through a cable for it to break in. I think all of us could agree to this. First, the cable must be connected to a source that is on and has a signal. For example, this source could be a CD player or tuner. Second, it must be connected to a load which has some input impedance such that it will draw a current. This could be a preamp. Preamps present an input impedance whether they are on or off. If you don't believe this, just measure it with a ohm meter. The lower this impedance, the more current is drawn and the faster the cable will break in. If the preamp is off, it just doesn't amplify the signal that it sees.