Best way to break in a tube amp? With cheap tubes?

For a tube amp, the best place to use the cheapies would of course be the output tubes. In most (but not all) pre-amps, tube wear is not a big issue as like span is often 5-10000 hrs. If yours is known to be a tube eater, then I'd also go with the cheapies for the first 1-200 hrs.

If you don't listen to it in the first 100 - 200 hours and use cheap tubes- How will you be able to discern any changes in sonic character after the first 100 - 200 hours with premium tubes?

It seems to me you want to run it in regular listening configuration you plan to use and listen to it.

I know- a silly thought - listening to the equipment you buy rather than playing it an empty room for several hundred hours.

Just hook it up plug it in and enjoy the music; no fuss no hassle.

Thanks for the advice everybody. One more thing--
does anyone use tube dampers (vibration control devices
or coolers of any sort)? Thanks again.

Thank you Czbbcl.

Don't worry about it! just play the amp as if it is broken in and in time it will be broken in. Each hour it will get better and better. Your tubes will break in within a week and the amp will eventually break in also. Leaving it on without it playing music is a waste of your tubes and the extra money you will be paying your utility company. It's like an aged wine, you can't rush it!

Thanks Cyconlicman--I like the metaphor.