You need to run a signal through it. I always make sure the signal runs start to finish. I always run with a Streamer, DAC and preamp, amp and speakers... so the signal starts and is carried through and output. I can't guarantee this is required, I've never wanted to waste time, so always done it this way.
I would enjoy someone with an electrical engineering background or knowledge to confirm this requirement. But it has always made sense to me that without the amp and ultimately the speakers allowing the flow of all the electronic circuits you are not getting the electron flow required.