This multicentre study investigates the preference and performance of a group of 55 adult CLARION cochlear implant users with the choice of simultaneous analogue stimulation (SAS) and continuous interleaved sampler (CIS) strategies during the first 3 months of implant use. Subjects were programmed with both strategies and instructed to use each of the two strategies in daily life to ascertain preference. Subjects were tested in both strategies with open-set sentence materials, auditory alone, at 2, 6 and 12 weeks after the initial programming session. Questionnaires were completed with preference ratings being recorded for the two strategies: 25% of subjects preferred SAS and 75% CIS. Subjects performed better in their strategy of choice. Preferences were set very early on in the process and did not change. Factors influencing preference are discussed. Offering the choice of fundamentally different strategies improves both individual and group performance.