Monitor SPL vs. Full-Range SPL

See this Equal Loudness. It is clear that 120 db SPL at 20 Hz is equivalent in loudness to 85 db SPL at 500 to 4 Khz (the mid range). Clearly there is a huge difference in our hearing sensitivity across the audible frequecny range (remember that decibels are logarithmic)

Also note that volume level tends to influence the presentation, as you go up in volume our hearing sensitivity is flatter with respect to frequency.

In practice, this means that rock music that is supposed to be played loud will be mixed a little lean in the bass whilst ambient or acoustic stuff intended to be listened to at low volumes will be mixed with more bass. (this compensates for our hearing non-linear response with respect to volume level)

Here is a good start to help understanding play back levels. Including testing level and reasons for that level.
http://replaygain.hydrogenaudio.org/calibration.html
Bob

Are you confusing loudness with measured SPL? 83dB is 83dB regardless of the frequency.

Although your source may be white noise, and likely to stay pretty white through good electronics, what you measure with a sound pressure level meter from you speakers is almost certainly not white. Spectral level refers to level per frequency, and measures of spectral level, more likely to be measured as 1/3 octave bands, can be expected vary widely as the speaker interacts with its environment or rolls off in sensitivity.

Hearing damage occurs most at a half octave above the assault. Even frequencies to which we are not sensitive shake the basilar membrane, so high-level low-frequency sounds can definitely damage your hearing. It's not perceived loudness, but how hard the hair cells along the membrane are driven. Gun shots are notorius for damaging hearing.

So I think the answer to the OP is that for a given broadband SPL that was sourced with white noise, monitors are likely to seem louder than full range speakers that "squander" energy in the lowest octaves to which we are not very sensitive. But those of us who love pipe organs, do so value that squandered energy.

db