Surround sound speaker placement

Is indeed to the side/slightly back. Tweeters ideally 1-2 feet above ear.

https://www.crutchfield.com/S-52UBxSry2Z8/learn/learningcenter/home/speaker_placement.html#:~:text=In%20a%205.1%20system%2C%20your,position%20and%20face%20them%20forward.

https://www.svsound.com/blogs/speaker-setup-and-tuning/74790851-the-art-of-speaker-placement

https://www.the-home-cinema-guide.com/surround-sound-speaker-placement.html