I would say that eqing either a passive or an active would achieve the same thing, assuming the eq for each is identical topology. I don't think only one or the other should be eq'ed unless the acoustic of the room requires it. Whether you are shooting for a flat response or something that compliments the room and feels right, I would place the speakers and listen without an eq first, then address the limitations. I would personally doubt I would use any eq "button" because it is very limiting, generally they are set to a specific frequency and Q as well as gain. An outboard eq would give flexability, either fixed or parametric.
or something like that...